Nellie Andreeva

EXCLUSIVE: Kyle Bornheimer is set to star in ABC’s comedy pilot White Van Man. With him on board, the pilot, originally picked up as cast-contingent, is moving forward to production. Michael Fresco has come on board to direct. The single-camera White Van Man is a blue collar ensemble based on the British format and centers on a man (Bornheimer) who is forced to put his dreams on hold in order to take over the family handyman business from his father. The series takes its name from the UK phrase that describes the stereotype for drivers of light commercial vehicles, often self-employed or owning small businesses such as handyman services. The ABC Studios-produced adaptation of the Adrian Poynton-created original was written by Bobby Bowman who executive produces with Mark Gordon and Andrea Shay.

Earlier this season, Bornheimer, along with his brother Ryan, sold a comedy pitch to ABC with Kyle attached to star and produce. When that project didn’t go to pilot, ABC moved in quickly to keep the always in-demand actor in the fold with an offer for White Van Man. Ever since his breakout starring role on the CBS comedy series Worst Week, like White Van Man also an adaptation of a British format, Bornheimer has been actively pursued for pilots and series. His recent credits include the series Romantically Challenged and Perfect Couples and the pilots Council Of Dads last year and and the untitled Bays/Thomas project in 2010. On the feature side, the actor, repped by CAA and Flutie Entertainment, will next be seen in Bachelorette, which premiered at Sundance, and The Wedding. ICM-repped Fresco has directed the pilots for such quirky single-camera comedy series as Raising Hope, Better Off Ted and most recently, ABC’s freshman hit Suburgatory.

TV Editor Nellie Andreeva - tip her here.