Michael McIntyre's Big Show is to move venues.

The forthcoming fifth series of the hit Saturday night entertainment show will be recorded at the London Palladium, as the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane is closed for refurbishment.

The BBC confirmed today that six new hour-long episodes will be recorded in front of a live audience "from the world famous home of British entertainment, the London Palladium in the heart of Theatreland".

Producers explain: "Michael will host the Saturday night entertainment extravaganza, which will be packed with superstar celebrity guests, amazing musical performances and a few extra surprises along the way. The show will also see the return of series favourites such as the hilarious Send To All, which sees nervous celebrities handing over their mobile phone to Michael.

"More unsuspecting members of the public will be woken up in the middle of the night to play the Midnight Gameshow, and more amazing surprises for the Unexpected Star as they will get the opportunity to perform live in front of 2,000 people on stage at the Palladium."

Michael McIntyre says: "The BBC have once again asked me to steal celebrities' mobile phones and break in to people's houses in the middle of the night, and I couldn't be more thrilled! The Big Show is back with all the audience's favourites, Send To All, The Midnight Gameshow and Unexpected Star Of The Show, plus big new ideas. I can't wait!"

Series 5 follows on from the the most successful series of the format to date. Series 4 attracted an average of 7.3 million viewers each week, whilst Michael McIntyre's Big Christmas Show was the highest overnight-rated show on Christmas Day 2018, with 6.1 million viewers.

Kate Phillips, Controller Entertainment Commissioning, says: "It's great to have Michael's Big Show back containing even more big laughs and big surprises. It really is several shows in one, sending treat after treat to all who watch!"

Dan Baldwin, Managing Director of producers Hungry McBear Media, comments: "We're delighted to be coming back for a new series of Michael McIntyre's Big Show. This year we have some exciting brand new ideas to reveal to the audience. Plus we record every show from the historic London Palladium which will only add to the atmosphere and top quality entertainment. Families up and down the country are going to be glued to their TVs for the Big Show, on BBC One, on Saturday nights."

Producers are currently looking for people to surprise.

They say: "Do you know anyone who is an amazing singer or musician who could be the next Unexpected Star of the show? Or would you like to give your partner a night they'll never forget by having Michael wake them up to play the Midnight Gameshow? To nominate someone for this or any other surprise on the show contact casting@hungrybear.tv or for more information click here."

Series 5 of Michael McIntyre's Big Show will air on BBC One later this year.