iCarly, Victorious stars team up for Nickelodeon spin-off.

Earlier this year when I interviewed Jennette McCurdy she told me she had already agreed to star in the next series from Nickelodeon’s Dan Schneider, without knowing anything about the content or the title.

Such was her belief in his work she was happy to jump on board, sight unseen.

Now we learn the series will be Sam & Cat, a 20 episodes spin-off comedy by Schneider (iCarly, Victorious, Drake & Josh, Zoey 101).

McCurdy (iCarly’s Sam Puckett) teams with Ariana Grande (Victorious’ Cat Valentine), reprising their roles from their respective hit shows, as unlikely roommates who become teen entrepreneurs by starting their own after-school babysitting business.

“Jennette and Ariana are adored by our audience, and it’s great to unite these talented actresses in this hilarious new comedy from Dan Schneider,” said Russell Hicks, President, Content Development and Production, Nickelodeon. “This show promises to deliver on what our audience loves most about these two favourite characters — laugh-out-loud humour and non-stop adventure, and is sure to be a compelling new chapter for our new comedic duo.”

Sam & Cat will premiere to Aussie audiences in 2013, with production beginning this January in Los Angeles.