Motherland stars Diane Morgan and Paul Ready are set to reunite for a brand-new BBC sitcom, currently titled Ann Droid. Set in 2029, the series will follow the “unlikely friendship” between elderly widow Sue and her humanoid robot helper Linda.
Following the recent death of her husband, Sue’s only son Michael decides to give his marriage yet another go. But when he moves out of his mum’s house, he doesn’t just leave her to fend for herself.
Instead, Michael surprises Sue with a secondhand AnnDroid Z58/100 Basic Eldercare Robot, which he claims will help her maintain her independence.
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Created to ease the pressure on the NHS, the robot’s main function is to provide company for the elderly, while also keeping an eye on their health. While Sue reluctantly accepts the parting gift, she later warms to Linda’s surprising uses.
“It’s Sue’s worst nightmare. An overly attentive, socially inept pain in the arse. But she soon works out she can use the droid to her benefit in settling scores and doing the things her son never gets round to,” reads the synopsis.
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“What develops is a buddy comedy between an older woman and her robot who isn’t quite as advanced socially as she is technically.”
The six-part series, written by Morgan and Sarah Kendall, has already begun filming and will air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
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Morgan will also star as robot Linda, alongside Motherland co-star Ready (Michael) and The Royle Family’s Sue Johnston (Sue).
“I’m thrilled to be back in the heart of BBC comedy, Diane and Sarah have created a comedy that will resonate with lots of different audiences, for different reasons and I cannot wait to get started,” said Johnston.
“I don’t know much, but I do know that if you get a chance to work with Diane Morgan, you take it. Immediately! Can’t wait to be reunited and bring Michael to life in her brilliant comic series,” added Ready.
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Divya is a freelance writer with experience in entertainment and lifestyle news. Described as a “telly addict” since childhood, Divya was able to translate her interests into a BJTC-accredited, Honours degree in Journalism and Media. After working in communications and marketing, Divya joined Digital Spy as a Freelance News Reporter. She has also written for various publications including Metro, Asian World News and TwitCelebGossip; as well as interviews, features and reviews on her own blog. Divya prides herself on her TV, film and showbiz knowledge, always offering (not so) fun facts to her long-suffering friends and family. From soaps to superheroes, Divya is the go-to person for tailored recommendations and up to date information. Â