Inbetweeners stars announce new show

Joe Thomas and Simon Bird (first and second left) have co-written the new show

Two of the stars of cult comedy The Inbetweeners are to star in a new Channel 4 sitcom, which they co-wrote.

Simon Bird and Joe Thomas, who played Will and Simon in the series, have revealed their next project is called Chickens.

They will play young men left behind while their contemporaries fight on the Western Front during World War I.

Jonny Sweet, who was named best newcomer at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards last year, will appear alongside them.

Bird said: "We're really excited to be working with Channel 4 on our first sitcom.

"It's a dream come true for us and we can't wait to get started."

The third and final series of The Inbetweeners came to an end earlier this month.

The show, which followed four students trying to become popular and get girlfriends, proved a huge success for Channel 4

A film version is currently being written by series creators Damon Beesley and Iain Morris.