Stephen Fry to reboot classic game show Jeopardy! for ITV

Stephen Fry is set to host a UK comeback for the classic US game show Jeopardy!, making a return to ITV this autumn.

Jeopardy! is a stalwart of US TV with an addictive format that sees contestants given the answers to general knowledge clues, which they have to pose the question to in order to add to the prize fund and stay in the game.

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A UK version has aired on three different broadcasters in the past, but now it is set to debut to a new audience as it makes its return to ITV1 with superfan Fry presenting.

Fry said: "In the United States, Jeopardy! is a phenomenon like no other. Whenever I’m in America, I do my damnedest to catch it every weekday.

"The idea of hosting it here in the UK makes me dizzy with delight. Such a dedicated quizzing nation as ours will, I hope, welcome this uniquely beguiling and endlessly rewarding game."

ITV head of entertainment Katie Rawcliffe added: "Bringing Jeopardy! to a brand new audience as part of our weekday schedule is exciting. There is no one better to host this classic game show than Stephen, bringing knowledge and entertainment to all of our viewers."

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Jeopardy! has been on air in the US since 1964, with a couple of short stints off air between changing broadcasters, but has been running in its current form since 1984.

The hugely successful format has been syndicated to more than 30 countries and has already had a few UK versions.

It first aired in the UK on Channel 4 from 1983 to 1984 with Derek Hobson as host, before being revived by ITV from 1990 to 1993 under hosts Chris Donat and Steve Jones.

The last time UK viewers saw Jeopardy! on our screens was at Sky One from 1995 to 1996, hosted by Paul Ross.

Fry will host an updated version of the show that will include elements of nostalgia for existing fans and will also appeal to a new audience not yet familiar with the show.

It will include an extra round added onto the original format to increase the stakes and give contestants an extra chance to boost the jackpot.

Jeopardy! begins this autumn on ITV1.