The two-year deal will involve the development of new comedy and comedy drama projects from the duo for the UK and international market.

Pemberton and Shearsmith, who also wrote and starred in Psychoville, commented: “We are delighted to continue working under the umbrella of BBC Studios.

“As a large and colourful umbrella it affords us the creative freedom to develop new and exciting ideas to shape the future of international television and keeps our skin from burning on hot days”. 

Speaking on his excitement at the new deal, the Head of Comedy at BBC Studios Production, Josh Cole, said: “Reece and Steve are two of the most extraordinarily talented and distinctive creators working today.

Their gift for comic storytelling knows no bounds and we’re hugely excited to be developing new projects with them”.