Harry Enfield has teamed up with Skins writer Bryan Elsley to launch a new independent TV production company called Balloon.

A statement announcing the company today said that Balloon had been set up to “present some personal projects of Bryan and Harry, and to develop new work with emerging writing and comedy talent”.

The company’s first production is Dates, for Channel 4, which has been commissioned by the broadcaster’s head of drama, Piers Wenger.

Each episode of the nine-part series will focus on two people who are on a date.

Balloon said it would “showcase major acting talent in challenging and dramatic two handers which aim to slowly grip the audience as the stories intertwine and rise to a crescendo”.

It has been created by Elsley, who will executive produce the series with Enfield.

Elsley said: “I’m incredibly excited to be working for Channel 4 again and drawing on a long and mutual appreciation of both comedy and drama with Harry. He’s always understood what I attempt, and for me, he has been the pre-eminent comedian of his generation.”