BBC in talks over second series of 'successful' Horne & Corden sketch show

In spite of a dismal critical reaction and a vitriolic reception among comedy fans it has received record ratings figures for BBC Three, with an average audience of 900,000 people per episode.

For its target audience of 16- to 34-year-olds, it took an average audience share of 10.7% in its time slot across the run.

When 'Horne And Corden' first appeared, the Guardian's television critic said it "isn't just bad, it actually made me feel a bit depressed" while The Telegraph declared it to be "about as funny as credit default swaps".

Much of the criticism was directed towards the number of jokes centring on the fact that Corden is overweight.

However, the BBC said today that it was in "advanced discussions" with production company Tiger Aspect over a second series, amid rumours that ITV is trying to sign the pair up.

Danny Cohen, controller of BBC Three, said: "Mat Horne and James Corden are wonderful young British talents -- and I'm delighted their first series has performed so well.

"'Horne And Corden' has proved to be the most successful ever first series of a comedy in BBC Three's history -- for both young audiences and viewers across the board.

"It's a wonderful indication of their popularity with young people in particular, and it goes right to the heart of BBC Three's mission to work with the best of young British talent."

The poor critical reception for 'Horne And Corden' was added to by the release of the film 'Lesbian Vampire Killers', also featuring the pair, although not written by them.

This was declared "profoundly awful" by The Times, in one of the more generous reviews it received.