Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi and Frances De La Tour are to star in a new ITV sitcom about an ageing couple and their best friend.
Described as “unashamedly wicked”, Vicious tells the story of ageing partners, Freddie (McKellen) and Stuart (Derek Jacobi), two men who have lived together in a small Covent Garden flat for nearly 50 years.
Freddie was a budding actor and Stuart a barman when they first met but their careers are now pretty much over and their lives now consist of reading books, walking their dog and bickering.
De La Tour plays feisty best friend Violet. Young at heart and with a delicious sense of humour, she’s always on hand to calm Freddie and Stuart down during one of their many arguments.
The trio’s worlds are turned upside down with the arrival of a young man, Ash, as their new upstairs neighbour.
The show was created by Mark Ravenhill and Gary Janetti (Family Guy and Will & Grace), who will also write the series.
ITV’s Entertainment and Comedy Commissioning Editor, Myfanwy Moore said: “‘ITV is thrilled this exciting and bold sitcom, with stellar performers and writing talent is to join the increasing slate of new look comedy shows on the channel.”
The series is being produced by Brown Eyed Boy production in association with Kudos Film and TV.