Filming has started on the new BBC sitcom Ann Droid with BAFTA nominated Sue Johnston (True Love, The Royle Family) confirmed to play Sue, and Paul Ready (Motherland) confirmed to play her son Michael.
Written by Diane Morgan (Mandy, Cunk) and Sarah Kendall (Frayed, The Other One), the six-part series will be made by Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries for BBC iPlayer and BBC One.
In a world where AI is looming larger and ever present, Ann Droid (W/T) asks the question what is replaceable and what is not? As funny, as it is poignant – Ann Droid tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Sue (Sue Johnston) and Linda (Diane Morgan) a social humanoid robot, created to keep elderly people company and monitor their health.
It’s 2029. Sue’s husband David passed away 18 months ago and her only son, Michael (Paul Ready), is moving out – again - to try and fix his marriage - again. But the good news is he’s got Sue a surprise to help her live independently, a care provider with a difference - a second hand AnnDroid Z58/100 Basic Eldercare Robot. Created to keep the ageing population company and monitor their health, taking the pressure off the ever-stretched NHS.
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. What develops is a buddy comedy between an older woman and her robot who isn’t quite as advanced socially as she is technically.
Sue Johnston says “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.”
Paul Ready says “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.”
Ann Droid (working title) is a Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries production for BBC iPlayer and BBC One. The show was commissioned by BBC Director of Comedy Jon Petrie. It is written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall, the executive producers are Shane Allen, Diane Morgan and Pippa Brown, who is also series producing. The series is directed by Joe Roberts (Power of Parker). The commissioning editors for the BBC are Seb Barwell and Navi Lamba. BBC Studios, which has a minority investment stake in Boffola Pictures, will handle global sales.
