Chris Morris' Brass Eye series was a spoof documentary

The exact nature of the programme could not be confirmed by a Channel 4 spokeswoman on Monday but she said it would probably be broadcast in 2004.

The new series will be Morris' first TV appearance since the furore over 2001's Brass Eye programme, which he wrote and presented.

An episode of that show which satirised media handling of paedophilia caused a record 2,500 viewer complaints.

Several celebrities claimed they had been duped into taking part.

Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell also said several ministers had voiced their distaste at its content.

There was further controversy when the programme was nominated for two coveted Bafta TV awards, although it failed to win.

Channel 4's director of programmes Tim Gardam defended Morris and said he would be welcome back to the channel.

The controversial programme was just one episode in the Brass Eye spoof documentary format, created by Morris in the late 1990s.

The series targeted celebrities including musician Phil Collins and TV presenter Philippa Forrester.

Morris launched his career in 1994 with the critically acclaimed news spoof The Day Today.

He went on to make Brass Eye and the Blue Jam series.

This year he won a Bafta for his first short film, My Wrongs 8245-8249 and 117.