Oz cricket superstar Shane Warne has struck a deal with Channel 9 to head a prime-time TV variety show.

The deal, finalized by Nine boss David Gyngell, will see the show go on air during the Ashes series on Thursdays at 9.30pm.

Nine has brought back light entertainment guru Glenn Pallister, formerly in charge of The Footy Show in Sydney before a stint at Sony, to be executive producer.

The show will feature live bands and Nine will bid for acts including U2, Sting and Leonard Cohen when they tour here in summer.

A Nine insider said that cricket would be a small portion of the show.

"It's a variety show heavily geared towards light entertainment and Warnie will have a guest host each week," the Daily Telegraph quoted a source as telling the Herald Sun.

"We will have the top bands and interviews with big names who are coming out for the Ashes, like Mick Jagger and Michael Parkinson.

"Warnie has great contacts and will attract the best talent. All the celebrities love him. Only last week he was at the races with Liz Hurley in the UK," the source added. (ANI)