Frank Skinner to front bad language doc

In a move that seems certain to ignite controversy, the BBC has commissioned the comedian Frank Skinner (pictured) to present a programme on bad language and profanity for its flagship current affairs show, Panorama. The report by the 51-year-old comic, who until recently was liable to use four-letter words himself, is said to have been prompted by the so-called 'Manuelgate' affair and will, say corporation insiders, include an interview with Jonathan Ross.

Due to air in late January or early February, shortly after Ross returns to BBC1 following his three-month suspension for leaving a lewd message on the Fawlty Towers actor Andrew Sachs answerphone, it is hoped at the Beeb that the programme will draw a line under the damaging affair.

Skinner, known for his on-screen partnership with comedian David Baddiel, could be considered a good choice. He has recently dropped swearing from his act and has written about the need to use bad language sparingly. One of his supporters is veteran Panorama reporter John Sweeney. "Taste and decency is a big issue for us," he said. "[It's about] the stories we can tell before the watershed and after it. Who better than a comedian to talk about what works and what doesn't?"

And no one could accuse Skinner of not being thorough. He has interviewed officials at the media regulator Ofcom, BBC producers and executives and even Michael Grade, the Beeb's former Director-General who is now head of ITV.

Although not on the scale of Ross and Russell Brand, Skinner has some personal experience of causing offence on air. In 2002, the Independent Television Commission, since replaced by Ofcom, upheld 23 complaints about an interview the comedian conducted with the 1980s pop star Boy George on his ITV chat show, which included a graphic discussion about the homosexual singer's sexual practices.