'Friends' star back in TV send-up series

Former 'Friends' actor Matt LeBlanc is returning to TV screens – to star as himself in a send-up of the television industry.

The 42-year-old heart-throb will appear in a six-part series called 'Episodes' next year on BBC2.

Shooting in London and Los Angeles, the programme tells story of an unsuspecting British couple who try to recreate their UK comedy hit in the lion’s den of American TV, with disastrous results.

Episodes was penned by 'Friends' co-creator David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, whose credits include 'Mad About You'.

The new show is a co-production with US broadcaster Showtime and also involves Hat Trick Productions.

LeBlanc joked: “I am also so glad I got the part; seeing someone else playing Matt LeBlanc would have been devastating.”

Jimmy Mulville, who is a producer on the show, said: “These are some of the best scripts I’ve read in a long time by two writers at the top of their game.

“To have the opportunity to make a show with David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik, with Matt LeBlanc playing a hilarious version of himself, and then to make that show for both Showtime and the BBC, whose combined portfolios of comedy are second to none, is both a thrill and a great privilege.

“Episodes promises to be one of the great comedy treats for 2010.”