CO MEATH-born comedian Dylan Moran is to shoot a new sitcom in Belfast this year, which is described as a "sometimes surreal" exploration of a couple's relationship.
The Black Books and Shaun of the Dead star is to play the role of Dan, partner of Carla, played by Morgana Robinson, in the upcoming show, titles Stuck.
Made by Hat Trick Productions, which produced classic sitcoms including Father Ted and more recently Derry Girls, Stuck will begin filming in Belfast this month ahead of being screened on BBC Two later this year.
It focuses on the problems faced by the characters of Dan and Carla as they deal with problems including facing redundancy, feelings of unfulfillment and the reappearance of an old flame into Carla's life.
BBC commissioning editor Seb Barwell described Moran, who is also set to appear this year in an upcoming Netflix prequel series to fantasy hit The Witcher, titled Blood Origin, as "one of the great comic minds of our time".
Moran has written the scripts for Stuck, and Mr Barwell said of the Perrier Award-winning comedian's involvement: "It’s hugely exciting that he’s created this new narrative series, tackling love, relationships and a very current sense of limbo, with all the finely-honed insight and humour of his stand up shows."
Speaking ahead of shooting the new sitcom, Moran said: "I’m delighted to be working with the smartypants comedy wonks at Hat Trick, going to Belfast to shoot our crazy little series."
Referring to his Australian-born co-star, he added: "Morgana is a one woman army of comic power, and the little gang of loons we found make a very lumpy talent piñata. Terrifying. I’m only ok with this because I know our brilliant director Ian FitzGibbon specialises in coaxing magic even from clumps like me who breathe through their foreheads and bang into the walls. Check us out."
