Comedy news: Fonejacker returns... As Facejacker! Kayvan Novak moves to primetime Channel 4 with new series

Fonejacker lovers, prepare to get excited. Kayvan Novak, the man behind the cult TV programme Fonejacker, is set to move to primetime TV with a new show called Facejacker.

The new series, announced by digital content magazine C21 Media, is being produced by Hat Trick Productions – the company behind Fonejacker, Room 101 and Whose Line Is It Anyway – and is set to appear on Channel 4 later this spring.

Facejacker, which was previously called ‘Fonejacker 3D’ will have a slightly different theme to its predecessor; with Novak pulling pranks on members of the public in person rather than by phone. The new show is expected to air in May.

Julian Bellamy, Head of Programmes at C4 told said: "Facejacker is probably the highlight, or one of the highlights, I would pull out from the spring slate for this year.

"Facejacker is the next series for Kayvan Novak, who was of course Fonejacker on E4. It was a huge hit on E4, and he's now moving to Channel 4 with a new show.

"It's a very good example of the sort of talent ladder that we have at the network - bringing talent through the ranks so that they feel they can do their best work on the channels."

Fonejacker began life as part of C4’s Comedy Lab before being picked up for its own dedicated show, which ran for two seasons. The shows format revolves around a series of prank phone calls to members of the public by different characters played by Novak.

Fonejacker has won both popular and critical acclaim and also won a BAFTA for best British comedy programme in 2008.