Natalie Cassidy and David Bradley are among the guest stars to appear in ‘Mandy’.
‘After Life’ actress Diane Morgan will write, direct and star in the upcoming BBC show, which is based on a comedy short that originally aired last summer but has now been commissioned for a full season of 15-minute episodes.
The six-part series will see Diane’s titular alter ego try her hand at various jobs in a bid to realise her dream of breeding Doberman Pinschers, while also try and get into shape and renting out her tiny back bedroom to bring in extra cash.
A string of guest stars have been lined up for the show, including ‘EastEnders’ actress Natalie Cassidy and ‘Game of Thrones’ actor David Bradley.
‘Black Mirror’ star Maxine Peake and comic Sean Lock will also make appearances.
Diane’s ‘After Life’ co-star Michelle Greenidge will be a regular cast member, playing Mandy’s pal Lola, alongside Michael Spicer, Alistair Green, Mark Silcox, Jackie Clune, Emily Dean, Masashi Fujimoto, Akemnji Ndifornyen, Tony Way and broadcaster Iain Lee.
‘Mandy’ will premiere on BBC Two and iPlayer in August.
It’s unlikely the series will include much dancing as Diane recently opened up about how much she hates it.
She said: "To me dancing is like looking at a friend’s new baby. Inside I feel absolutely nothing, but you aren’t allowed to look at a friend’s baby like you’re looking at an elastic band.
"It’s not allowed. I’ve always hated films about dancing too.
"Especially ‘Dirty Dancing’. Even the title makes me cringe. Or ‘Grease’, with its sexual ‘You have to dress like a ‘s***’ or he won’t like you’ overtones.
"And don’t get me started on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. To me it’s just a show where celebrities ruin their marriages whilst dressed like Danny La Rue."