Comedy Central has ordered Richard Hammond's Brain Reaction, a science-based panel show hosted by the former Top Gear presenter.

Featuring Johnny Vegas and Victoria Coren Mitchell as team captains, with comedian and virologist Ria Lina as Hammond's sidekick, six hour-long episodes of the show have been filmed at Pinewood Studios, just outside London this month, with guest panellists including David Baddiel, London Hughes, Guz Khan, Maisie Adam, Henning Wehn and Desiree Burch, British Comedy Guide can exclusively reveal.

Made by Hammond's own production company, Chimp Television, the series will air later this year a spokesperson for Comedy Central confirmed to BCG.

"Pop science is my absolute sweet spot in TV," Hammond told Broadcast magazine. "I love shows that blend funny with facts and can't wait to get going with this one."

Each week guests will consider scientific conundrums such as 'what is fastest - an athlete or a flame ripping along a trough of petrol?'

Stunts on the show include seeing whether someone can drink a pint of beer whilst standing on their head.

The series was commissioned by Comedy Central's deputy chief content officer Sebastian Cardwell.

"Richard is known for his love of popular science and spectacular TV stunts, so this is the perfect opportunity for him to have fun, experimenting with the nation's favourite comedians" producers said, when they advertised for audience members last month.

"There are two teams of celebrity guests, each with a comedy team captain, ready and willing to be put to the test. Expect fireballs, giggles galore and more than a glimpse of scientific silliness."

Hammond previously wrote the children's book All About Physics and has presented both Sky One's Brainiac: Science Abuse, and the National Geographic channel's Science Of Stupid. In 2013 he also presented BBC One prank show Richard Hammond's Secret Service (pictured).