The BBC thrusts Alan Carr into early talks for a big-money chat show after his resurgence

Comedian and television personality Alan Carr has emerged once again at the heart of a major programming gambit by the BBC, as the broadcaster seeks to capitalise on his renewed popularity. According to insiders, the BBC is preparing a big-money deal to bring Carr back as the face of a new chat show vehicle, marking what some see as a bold — and risky — bid to dominate the talk show slot.

Carr’s re-emergence follows the spectacular success of the hit format Celebrity Traitors (2025) — in which he played a central role — and one executive described the comedian as “the people’s voice” who could draw huge names and large viewer numbers. Industry sources suggest Carr has received a raft of offers in the last ten days alone, placing the BBC in a hurry to secure him before rival broadcasters intervene.

Nearly ten years on from his Channel 4 show Chatty Man (2009–2016), Carr, aged 49, now stands at a crossroads. The proposed chat show marks a pivot from his previous entertainment-format roles into the territory dominated by veteran hosts. The stakes are high. One insider warned: “If this doesn’t work, it could be the last big-time contract Carr ever signs.”

The BBC’s urgency appears linked to Carr’s wider appeal and the buzz around his latest TV performances. The network reportedly views him as a rare asset capable of pulling in both mass-market audiences and A-list celebrity guests. A production source said: “He’s a raconteur, he’s got the contacts, he’s got the charm. This feels like the moment.”

But that very ambition also carries risk. Talk formats are notoriously difficult to launch, and the public appetite for conventional chat shows has shifted in recent years. Critics argue the BBC may be leaning too heavily on Carr — whose strongest persona may now be tied to reality-based formats rather than the sit-down interview style of old.

Carr’s history is compelling. He made his name with stand-up and supporting roles before breaking majorly with Channel 4’s Chatty Man, where he hosted big stars like Adele and One Direction. After the show ended in 2016, his television appearances waned — until the resurgence brought by Celebrity Traitors. The BBC’s interest now signals a full-scale comeback.

If the deal goes forward as reported, Carr will join a select group of high-profile entertainers given a flagship show in the current broadcast landscape. It also signals the BBC’s confidence — or desperation — depending on how you view it, in reviving traditional formats amid a crowded streaming environment.

For Alan Carr, the proposed chat show could be the biggest career moment since his early sitcom and live-tour heyday. It offers a chance to define his legacy: either as a versatile broadcaster able to lead high-profile programming, or as a star who failed to adapt and ultimately faded behind the scenes.

As discussions continue, attention now turns to the terms of the deal: What format will the show take? Will Carr be given editorial control? How will the BBC market it? These questions remain unanswered. Meanwhile, Carr appears ready for the challenge, reportedly in preliminary talks and working with his agent to shape the show’s direction.

In the next few weeks, the BBC may announce the deal officially. If they do, it will mark a seismic moment in British television: the resurrection of a familiar face under a high-stakes contract. For viewers, it could signal the return of the chat show as a major format. For Carr, it may be the gamble that defines his next decade.