FIRST LOOK Ann Droid

It's the story of an unlikely friendship between a widow and her robot.

BBC One has released a first look at its brand new comedy, Ann Droid, which, in a world where AI looms larger and is ever-present, asks what is replaceable and what is not?

Written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall, the six-part series stars Diane alongside Sue Johnston as Sue and Paul Ready as her son, Michael.

As funny as it is poignant, Ann Droid tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Sue and Linda, 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, is moving out to try to 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 around 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.

Made by Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries, Ann Droid is written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall, directed by Joe Roberts, and executive produced by Shane Allen, Diane Morgan and Pippa Brown, who is also series producing.

Ann Droid will air later this summer on BBC One