The BBC has announced a short new series of Vic & Bob's Big Night Out, the revival of Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer's classic show.

A one-off Christmas special is due to be shown later this month, marking the 25th anniversary of the duo's work at the BBC.

Talking about working with the duo for more than two decades, BBC Comedy explain: "It began with The Smell Of Reeves And Mortimer - a seminal force in British comedy that paved the way for Shooting Stars, Bang Bang, Catterick and House Of Fools to name a few."

Vic & Bob's Big Night Out is modelled on the same style show as the double act's 1990 Channel 4 series Vic Reeves Big Night Out. The BBC comments: "Reeves and Mortimer have entertained generations of comedy fans and they still have the ability to constantly innovate and surprise, their unique brand of surreal humour has not mellowed with time. Vic & Bob's Big Night Out promises to deliver their inimitable brand of slapstick humour to audiences old and new."

The Corporation has announced it has now ordered four more episodes of the new format, for broadcast on BBC Four in 2018.

Bob Mortimer says: "We are so chuffed and exited to be given the chance to re-invent the Big Night Out so long after it all began. We shall make it as joyous and surprising as it was all those years ago."

Vic Reeves says: "It's playtime again. All these years on and we can still both do the splits. We can not be stopped."

Shane Allen, Controller Comedy Commissioning, comments: "Vic & Bob have created so many terrific characters and inspired ideas over the years. The Christmas special sees them at the top of their game and this following series promises more daft, infectious and unique comedy madness from the daddies of the absurdly brilliant."

Cassian Harrison from BBC Four adds: "I am overjoyed to welcome back Vic and Bob - their singular and surrealistic talents have a perfect home on BBC Four."

The Christmas special of Vic & Bob's Big Night Out will be shown on BBC Two on Friday 29th December at 9pm. Preview pictures

The four-part series will be filmed and shown on BBC Four in 2018.