Bill Bailey is to co-star in a new Sky One comedy with Idris Elba entitled In The Long Run.

Set in London 1985, In the Long Run, loosely based on Elba's childhood, is about the Easmon family. Amid the tower blocks and shell suits, life for Walter (Idris Elba) and Evelyn Easmon is all about quiet routine. They arrived from Sierra Leone 13 years ago and are happy earning enough to pay the bills with a bit left over to send back home. Walter works hard alongside his mate and neighbour Bagpipes (Bill Bailey) at the local factory while Evelyn patrols the estate selling make-up door-to-door. Their British born son Akuna and his best mate Scott hang out on the estate playing football and doing their best to dodge the local thugs.

But when Walter’s brother Valentine arrives to the UK, his energy and lust for life changes everything. He crashes into their lives bringing laughter and chaos and igniting a passion for music in Akuna. And though he frustrates Evelyn and tests Walter’s patience, Akuna adores his ‘funcle’ Valentine because after all, he’s family.

With a production team that matches the on air talent including Exec Producers Idris Elba and Gina Carter (Moone Boy), Producer Charlie Hanson (Extras), Director Declan Lowney (Alan Partridge: Alpha Papa), Writers Claire Downes, Ian Jarvis & Stuart Lane (The Job Lot) and Grace Ofori-Attah. In the Long Run is a co-production between Green Door and Sprout Pictures.

Says Elba, “I'm really happy to be in comedy, bringing some joy into a world that needs some laughs. With a great team behind it I look forward to people seeing it. “

In the Long Run was ordered by Adam MacDonald, Director Sky 1, and Jon Mountague, Head of Comedy at Sky. Jon said: “We’re honoured to be working with Idris in what is an authentic, perceptive and deeply funny show. In the Long Run will surprise and delight viewers.”

In The Long Run will also be available on streaming service NOW TV.

Bill Bailey is touring in 2018. Buy tickets for all dates here.