Why Matt Lucas is laughing all the way to the bank

The "Little Britain" comic Matt Lucas has become the latest TV star to make a fortune by selling a major stake in his production firm.

He is likely to have agreed a deal running into millions after selling an undisclosed shareholding in his company, John Stanley Productions, to All3Media, the production giant behind "The Only Way Is Essex", "Prime Suspect" and "Horrible Histories". Mr Lucas, 39, said: "This is my next big step in complete world domination. I won't stop until I own everything in existence."

All3Media, one of Britain's biggest TV production companies, did not disclose financial terms but said they were going into "partnership" with Mr Lucas, who retains a majority stake. He founded John Stanley in 2011 to make comedy shows for TV and radio. His company is developing "Pompidou", a comedy series for BBC1 starring Mr Lucas, and he is also working on several Radio 4 sketch shows and pilot shows for ITV. John Stanley has already made two series of the "Matt Lucas Awards" for BBC1.

BBC Worldwide took control of Jeremy Clarkson's company for £16m last year, and ITV paid £17m for Graham Norton's.