Sean Bean (Time, Broken, Game Of Thrones) and Nicola Walker (Last Tango In Halifax, The Split, Unforgotten) are to star in Marriage, from Bafta-winning Stefan Golaszewski, who has previously written the comedies Mum and Him And Her.

Produced by The Forge (Help, Roadkill, National Treasure) and The Money Men, Marriage is a four-part drama for BBC One and BBC iPlayer and is an up-close portrait of a marriage - sometimes funny, sometimes moving, always revealing.

Marriage sees married couple Ian (Bean) and Emma (Walker) negotiate the ups and downs of their 30-year marriage. We see them dealing with the insecurities, the ambiguities, the hopes and the fears that are part of all marriages, as the drama explores the risks and the gifts of a long-term intimate relationship.

Sean Bean says: “I’m thrilled to be playing opposite the talented Nicola Walker and I’m looking forward to bringing Stefan’s intimate scripts to the screen.”

Nicola Walker says: “This is a unique project. Stefan has created such a beautiful, funny and complicated world and I’m excited to be stepping into Ian and Emma’s marriage with Sean.”

Stefan Golaszewski says: “It's amazing to get to work with Sean and Nicola. They're actors of such depth, truth and warmth and I can't wait to go on this journey with them.”

Beth Willis, Executive Producer for The Forge, says: “Stefan’s exquisite observation of marriage is funny, warm and searingly honest. His writing is a joy to read. I cannot wait to see Sean and Nicola bring to life this wonderful couple.”

Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama Commissioning, adds: “The extraordinary depth and complexity of Stefan’s characters calls for two of our most talented and loved actors. Enter Nicola and Sean. It’s always a privilege to have you on the BBC.”

Marriage is a 4x60” series and is produced by The Forge Entertainment and The Money Men. It was commissioned by Piers Wenger, Director of BBC Drama, and Charlotte Moore, Chief Content Officer, and will be directed by Stefan Golaszweski. Executive Producers are Tommy Bulfin for the BBC, Beth Willis and George Faber for The Forge and Richard Laxton and Stefan Golaszewski for The Money Men. The producer is Lyndsay Robinson (Him And Her, Mum). The show is produced in association with All3Media International who represent the drama globally.

Filming will begin shortly and transmission details will follow in due course.