The Big Bang Theory prequel spinoff series Young Sheldon confirmed by CBS

Jim Parsons will narrate the series focusing on a nine-year-old version of his character

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper (CBS)

US network CBS has decided it needs more Big Bang Theory on its schedules having confirmed that a new prequel series focusing on a young version of lead character Sheldon Cooper is being made.

Titled Young Sheldon, the spinoff will be narrated by Jim Parsons, the actor who has played the role across ten seasons since 2007.

The nine-year-old version of his character will be played by Iain Armitage.

Young Sheldon is expected to debut either later this year or early next year with a pilot episode directed by The Jungle Book's Jon Favreau.

Parsons will narrate the series, which has been compared to Malcolm in the Middle, with Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Raegan Revord and Montana Jordan all set to appear.

It is unknown whether the child versions of other popular Big Bang Theory characters Leonard (Johnny Galecki), Penny (Kaley Cuoco), Howard (Simon Helberg) and Rajesh (Kunal Nayyar) will appear.

The five original cast members are said to be open to receiving a pay cut in order for co-stars Mayim Bialik (Amy) and Melissa Rauch (Bernadette) - who joined the show in its third season - to have a raise. The latter reportedly take home $200,000 (£160,000) compared to the original cast's $1 million (£800,000).