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Following the huge success of his first series, Russell Howard will be returning to ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Three with two more helpings of his topical news show.

Series one was the best performing studio-based entertainment show ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Three has ever launched. [1]

Series two will hit our screens next month, with a third series planned for later this year.

Once again, Russell will scour the media looking for the big stories dominating the news agenda and offer his own unique perspective on them.

He will also be picking out the sometimes overlooked little news nuggets that make him smile.

Russell Howard said of the re-commission: "I just want to say thanks to everyone who watched the show and I can't wait to start working on the next series."

³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Executive Editor for Entertainment, Karl Warner, said: "³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Three is all about supporting new talent and trying new things. Russell is proof of this and a proper star.

"His first series was a huge hit with ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Three's young audience and we're delighted he's returning to the channel with not one, but two, more runs."

Filmed weekly in front of a live studio audience, Russell Howard's Good News also encourages fans at home to get involved and shape the news agenda by submiting stories online at bbc.co.uk/russellhoward – where they will also be able to view exclusive extra features – or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/russellhoward.

The series, made by Avalon Television, will be produced by Mark Iddon, series produced by Robyn O'Brien and directed by Peter Orton. The executive producers are Jon Thoday, Richard Allen-Turner and James Taylor, and Karl Warner for the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳.

Notes to Editors

[1] The series drew an average audience of 0.7 million/4.6% share, and 10.4% amongst 16-34s.

It peaked with 0.9 million/7.4% and 18.1% amongst 16-34s, which is up +10.7 share points on the slot, for 16-34s.

With an AI of 84, it reached 2.5 million in an average week, with 0.2 million weekly ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer requests (14% TV audience).

Russell Howard's Good News was the most requested ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Three programme in 2009 on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ iPlayer with, on average, 220,000 weekly requests.

DL2/CP