Neil Patrick Harris to host U.S. version of 'Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway'

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Five-time Emmy Award-winner Neil Patrick Harris is to host a new primetime, weekly variety series, NBC announced.

The format is based on the hugely popular British program Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, which was created by ITV Studios, Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly. The series is an institution in the United Kingdom, winning multiple awards, including two prestigious BAFTAs in 2014.

NBC said its version of the show will also feature comedy sketches, musical numbers, mini game shows, hidden camera pranks on celebrities and appearances by A-list stars. The U.S. network has ordered 10 episodes from ITV Studios America, all of which will be taped in front of a live audience.

Neither an official title nor air date has been set. "As I watched the show, I couldn't stop smiling. Now that I've seen many seasons, my face hurts. It's a game changer," Harris said in a statement Monday. "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."

"All of us here at NBC have been dying to work with Neil, as we've watched him brilliantly host the Tonys and Emmys," added Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming for NBC Entertainment. "This series will suit his extraordinary talents perfectly. He is a versatile and thrilling talent for us to welcome into the NBC family."

Harris recently wrapped a nine-season run on the sitcom How I Met Your Mother, won a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch and can now be seen in the big-screen blockbuster Gone Girl. He has also been named the host of the 2015 Oscars telecast.