Catastrophe writer Sharon Horgan and controversial comedian Frankie Boyle will deliver their counter keynote talk on pushing the boundaries of television through comedy at the Edinburgh International TV Festival.

The Irish actress and co-writer of the Channel 4 hit comedy and BBC’s Pulling will take part in the Alternative MacTaggart Interview on Friday, as a light-hearted take on the James MacTaggart Memorial Lecture, the keynote address due to be delivered this year by VICE chief executive Shane Smith.

Catastrophe star Sharon Horgan at this year's Bafta TV awards
Catastrophe star Sharon Horgan at this year’s Bafta TV awards (Ian West/PA)

Sharon and Frankie will discuss breaking TV taboos and the comedy commissioning process as well as giving attendees as sneak peek of Sharon’s new Sky Atlantic series Divorce, which is the first major TV role for Sarah Jessica Parker since Sex And The City.

Happy Valley writer Sally Wainwright will receive this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award at the festival, which runs from August 24-26.

Breaking Bad's RJ Mitte will join a panel on disability on screen
Breaking Bad’s RJ Mitte will join a panel on disability on screen (Steve Paston/PA)

She will be in conversation with Doctor Who writer Russell T Davies about her slew of successful UK dramas, which includes Last Tango In Halifax, Unforgiven and upcoming BBC film To Walk Invisible.

Other highlights of the industry festival include House and X-Men director Bryan Singer in discussion with Fox Network Group’s chairman and chief executive Peter Rice, and a panel on the portrayal of disability on screen, featuring Breaking Bad’s RJ Mitte.