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Neil Patrick Harris to host US version of Saturday Night Takeaway

The Gone Girl star will present a ten-episode series based in New York

Jess Denham
Tuesday 28 October 2014 08:47 EDT
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Neil Patrick Harris will host his new variety show in New York
Neil Patrick Harris will host his new variety show in New York (Getty Images)

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Neil Patrick Harris has been confirmed as the host for a new US version of Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway.

The US actor, known for playing Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother and, most recently, Desi Collings in box office hit Gone Girl, will film the variety show before a live New York audience.

NBC revealed this week that the as-yet-untitled ten-episode series will include "comedy sketches, musical numbers, mini game shows, hidden camera pranks on celebrities and appearances by A-list stars".

Harris said in a statement that he "couldn't stop smiling" while watching the show. "Now that I've seen many seasons, my face hurts," he added. "Nothing like this has been done before and its unique structure fits right into my random skill set. I can't wait to roll up my sleeves and have some fun!"

No premiere date has been announced as yet, but Harris' show will not air on Saturdays or take the same name as the British ITV hit.

Harris has demonstrated his hosting skills before, when he acted as emcee for the Emmy and Tony Awards.

Earlier this month, he was announced as host for the 2015 Oscars, following in the footsteps of Ellen DeGeneres, Seth MacFarlane, Hugh Jackman and Billy Crystal.

Harris, 41, writes openly about coming to terms with his sexuality in his recently-released memoir, Choose Your Own Autobiography.

He married his partner, David Burtka, in September and they became parents to twins Gideon and Harper in 2010.

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