Australian cricket superstar Shane Warne has signed a deal with Channel 9 for a TV variety show set for prime-time.

The deal was finalized by Nine boss David Gyngell and the show will air during the Ashes series on Thursdays at 9:30pm.

Light entertainment guru Glenn Pallister, who used to be in charge of The Footy Show in Sydney before a stint at Sony, will be the executive producer.

Live bands will appear in the show and Nine plans to bid for acts such as U2, Sting and Leonard Cohen during their tour in summer.

A source from Nine said that cricket has a small portion in 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.