Shooting has begun on Pompidou, BBC One’s new prime-time visual comedy series created by and starring Matt Lucas.

The six 30-minute episodes star Matt Lucas (Little Britain) as the titular Pompidou, an elderly oddball aristocrat who has fallen on hard times,, alongside Alex MacQueen (Hunderby) as Hove, Pompidou’s long-suffering butler.

The official synopsis reads: “In a clapped-out old caravan, parked in front of his now crumbling estate, lives Pompidou, a tubby, pompous, penniless, eccentric, yet ultimately lovable aristocrat. He is served by his loyal butler Hove and the pair are joined by Marion, an elegant Afghan Hound. Each week, Pompidou and Hove face a new challenge, from stealing back a priceless bowl they once owned, to extracting a live bird which has flown into Hove’s mouth and is nesting in his stomach.”

Matt Lucas commented: “This is the show I’ve always wanted to make…”

Shane Allen, Controller of Comedy Commissioning for the BBC, added: “Matt has worked incredibly hard on creating a unique comedy universe for Pompidou. Only someone of his immense talent and experience could achieve something that feels so modern and inventive which also has an underlying nod to past classic comedy masters like Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy. It’s rare to have a comedy the whole family can enjoy together.”

Cameo appearances will include Bella Emberg (Benny Hill Show), Roy Barraclough (Coronation Street), Jane Asher (Alfie) and Tony Way (The Fast Show).

Pompidou will air on BBC One in early 2015.

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