New Diane Morgan sitcom 'Ann Droid' coming to BBC One

It's set in 2029 and sees Diane star as a social humanoid robot.

BBC One has today announced that Diane Morgan will star as a social humanoid robot, created to keep elderly people company and monitor their health, in their new sitcom Ann Droid (working title).

Written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall, the six-part series takes place in 2029. Sue’s husband David passed away 18 months ago and her only son, Michael, 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.

The latest D500 social humanoid 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.

Speaking about Ann Droid, Diane Morgan said "I’m thrilled that the BBC has finally commissioned a programme about AI and how it will affect your mum."

To which Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy, added "Diane Morgan’s sharp comedic genius shines in Ann Droid (w/t), co-written with Sarah Kendall, as she brings to life an unlikely friendship between a feisty pensioner and her over-attentive robot. Equal parts clever and chaotic, this six-part sitcom marries heart and high-jinks in equal measure."

Made by Boffola Pictures and Witchcraft Industries and written by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall, Ann Droid will be produced by Pippa Brown and executive produced by Shane Allen, Diane Morgan and Pippa Brown.

On today's news, Shane Allen, executive producer for Boffola Pictures added "In a world where AI is creeping in to the creative industry, we’re fighting back in the best way we can: taking the piss out of it. The ball’s in your court Chat GPT.”

Ann Droid will air on BBC One