Comedy festival Funny in Falkirk will return to Scotland's Central Belt this October, and award-winning Irish comedian Ardal O'Hanlon has been announced as the first official headliner.

The critically-acclaimed stand up, actor and published author is best known for playing the rather dim-witted Father Dougal McGuire in popular sitcom Father Ted, for which he won Top TV Newcomer at the British Comedy Awards in 1995 and was nominated for Best Comedy Performance at the BAFTAs in 1999.

O'Hanlon went on to star in the BBC's My Hero in the noughties, alongside fellow comedian Hugh Dennis, of Outnumbered and Mock the Week fame. He has also made appearances on a number of other television shows, including Doctor Who and Live at the Apollo.

However, the Irishman is still known for his stand up, continuing to perform live regularly, and he will bring his own unique brand of comedy to Falkirk Town Hall on Thu 22 Oct.

Sarah Watson, director of Scottish Comedy Agency, commented: 'Ardal O'Hanlon is a personal favourite of mine, and I'm delighted he's coming to headline Funny in Falkirk. There will be lots more shows announced on 3 September and we're aiming to have something for all tastes and price ranges, making Falkirk the funniest place to be this October!'

Funny in Falkirk is now in its sixth year, and has previously featured the likes of Jason Byrne and Phill Jupitus. It will run from Thu 15–Sun 25 Oct, and events will take place in a variety of venues across Falkirk, Denny, Stenhousemuir, Grangemouth and Bo'ness. The full festival programme will be announced on Thursday 3 September.

Ardal O'Hanlon, Falkirk Town Hall – Thu Oct 22.