Digital comedy channel UKTV GOLD has commissioned a new four-part documentary series looking at hit British sitcoms.

Only In A Sitcom will aim to demonstrate how British sitcom reflects everyday life. Family, romance, friendship and Christmas have been identified as four key themes to examine, with an hour-long episode dedicated to each.

Outnumbered actor Hugh Dennis will look at the pivotal role of the family in sitcom; Gavin & Stacey star Joanna Page will explore the topic of romance; Men Behaving Badly's Neil Morrissey looks at the world of friendships, and The Royle Family actor Ricky Tomlinson will give his unique take on Christmas.

Reflecting how successful sitcoms create comedy from 'the humdrum of everyday existence', each episode will open with the host before throwing to clips illustrating each point. There will also be interviews with those involved in the comedies being talked about. For example, Wendy Craig and Bruce Montague will talk about Butterflies and Sue Johnston will discuss The Royle Family.

Julie Swanston, who developed the series for GOLD, says: "The calibre of talent we've secured for this series, from Hugh, Neil, Joanna and Ricky to outstanding contributors including Miranda Hart, James Dreyfus, Alison Steadman, Sally Phillips and more is testament to the idiosyncratic appeal of the British sitcom."

The episodes will be shown at the end of the year, over the festive period.

GOLD's Paul Moreton adds: "Only In A Sitcom is a key commission for our 2011 schedule and will help GOLD assert itself as the biggest Christmas comedy channel."