Robert Webb, Sophie Thompson and Tanya Franks are set to appear in a selection of new BBC Two comedy programmes as part of the BBC’s Landmark Sitcom Season.
Three new sitcoms, each comprised of just one episode, will air in line with the channel’s New On Two strand of the season.
Peep Show’s Robert will star as divorcee Jack in Our Ex Wife, described as a “hate-filled comedy”.
The sitcom follows his story as he tries to maintain a happy balance with his new fiancée Sara, played by Two And A Half Men’s Melanie Lynskey, and his unhinged ex-wife and mother of his children Hillary, played by Doctor Foster’s Victoria Hamilton.
Sophie, best known for appearing in Four Weddings And A Funeral, appears in We The Jury, a comedy about a man who has dreamed of sitting on a jury his entire life.
The protagonist is William, portrayed by comedian Ed Easton, and Sophie plays another member of the mismatched jury on a gritty murder trial, overseen by an unruly judge, brought to life by Born And Bred star Maggie Steed.
The third new sitcom, The Coopers Vs The Rest, sees Pulling actress Tanya take on the role of Tess, a mother with three adopted children who is doing her best to give them the best childhood she can.
Tanya is joined by Peep Show’s Paterson Joseph as her husband Toby, and their brood, played by Erin Kellyman, India Brown and Joseph West.
Shane Allen, controller of BBC Comedy Commissioning, said: “These three brand new sitcom specials are the fresh out of the oven part of our landmark sitcom season.
“Underpinning BBC Two’s comedy reputation for the eclectic and diverse, they are sharply written and terrifically cast treats with a very contemporary heart to them, except in the case of We The Jury which is just infectiously and joyfully daft.”
The BBC Landmark Sitcom Season will celebrate the heritage and legacy of the past 60 years of TV comedy over BBC One, Two and Four.
The comedy spectacular will see shows such as Porridge, Goodnight Sweetheart and Are You Being Served? revisited.
Two other new sitcoms, Home From Home and Motherland, will also be broadcast during the season.
BBC’s Landmark Sitcom Season starts in September.
