Scarlett set for Kumars' sofa

Actress Scarlett Johansson is set to appear on The Kumars At No 42, it was revealed today

The Hollywood starlet has told Kumars creator Sanjeev Bhaskar she is a massive fan of the BBC comedy show.

Bhaskar and co-star Meera Syal hope to line her up for the next series.

X-Men actor Hugh Jackman is also angling for a spot on the Kumars' sofa.

Bhaskar scotched reports that the spoof chat show is to end because he and Syal want to spend time with their new baby, due next month. In fact, it has been recommissioned by the BBC.

"The Kumars At No 42 is going from strength to strength both here and around the world - across the Indian subcontinent, the Far East, Australia and, most recently, America, where our DVD has just come out," he said.

"What's really flattering now is that there are A-list guests asking to come on the show, including Hugh Jackman, who is a big fan, and Scarlett Johansson."

Bhaskar, 41, and Syal, 44, married in January and are expecting their first child shortly before Christmas.

He joked: "Although Meera and I are looking forward to our first child arriving, we are not planning to spend any time at all with it, but are going to allow it to forage, which is the way we were brought up."

As the Kumars, they have interviewed a host of stars including Charlotte Church, David Hasselhoff and Tom Jones.

The show has picked up a British Comedy Award and two International Emmys, and is said to be a favourite of the Queen.