Fate of hit nature series hosted by top comedian revealed amid mass TV cancellations

IT became a surprise TV hit thanks to its clever mixture of comedy and nature and now it will be back for a second series.

Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy has been officially confirmed to be back for another edition on Sky Arts.

Fronted by comedian Jim Moir, often better known by his former alter ego Vic Reeves, and his wife Nancy, they will continue to explore some of Britain's most idyllic spots.

It features a slight change in format this time around as Jim and Nancy will pick up their paintbrushes on the lookout for some incredible birds which they can paint around the UK.

Last time, Jim looked into the world of heritage crafts but is keen to explore something he is even more passionate about this time around.

Throughout the new series, the pair will be aiming for one end goal - to create an original, unique bird painting native to the region they are currently visiting.

The new series will consist of six hour-long episodes in total.

Local experts will be on hand to guide the couple and offer up an in-depth overview of the nature they found themselves surrounded by.

Speaking about the launch of the upcoming series, comedy star Jim said: “I am very excited to be a part of Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir.

"It incorporates my two main passions, art and birds, and to be presenting it with my best friend and wife (one person) is an undiluted joy and delight.”

His wife Nancy added: “I’m thrilled to be part of Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir.

"I’ve been birdwatching for the past ten years and it’s become a huge passion of mine so I’m looking forward to starting filming with Jim.”

The show is hoped to be another success for Sky Arts with the station's director Phil Edgar-Jones saying: “Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir is just the kind of tweet we like at Sky Arts, combining the joy of great art courtesy of Jim’s beautiful bird paintings and the glories of the British countryside and wildlife.

"We know our audiences love to uncover the processes that bring art to life and Jim will be unpacking the craft in his own unique way.”