A HOST of stars are being targeted to join another new television series set in Blackpool.

Funland, described as a 'darkly twisted comic thriller' is set to begin its run on BBC Three next year.

State of Play star John Simm and League of Gentlemen writer and actor, Mark Gattiss are already in talks to star in the new series.

It will be the second BBC comic drama to use the resort as its backdrop, with the BBC's showpiece autumn drama series, Blackpool, due to hit TV screens next month.

Funland has been written by League of Gentlemen writer, Jeremy Dyson and BAFTA award winning Eastenders writer, Simon Ashdown.

The BBC's editor of comedy, Kenton Allen, said: "Jeremy and Simon have created a brilliantly compelling set of characters and original stories which I think will fry the minds of the BBC3 audience.

"Funland represents another stage in establishing our reputation for daring, alternative, dark comedy on BBC Three. Funland will reinforce our commitment to home-grown talent and originality."

BBC Three controller, Stuart Murphy, added: "We have very high hopes for Funland. It feels daring, smart and complex, as well as being very funny.

"It's another example of how BBC Three aims to take established experienced people both in front of and behind the screen, and give them the space to incubate new ideas in a relatively protected digital environment. It should add a more complex flavour to the BBC Three comedy repertoire."

Shooting on Funland begins in the resort next March and the series, which will feature one 60 minute and ten 30 minute episodes, is due to air later in 2005.