Dylan Moran and Morgana Robinson are to star in a new BBC sitcom about a couple in a stagnant relationship.

Moran has also written the series, Stuck, which marks his first lead role in a television comedy since Channel 4’s Black Books – which he also co-wrote – finished in 2004.

Five 15-minute episodes are being made for BBC Two by Derry Girls producers Hat Trick.

 Moran said: ‘I'm delighted to be working with the smartypants comedy wonks at Hat Rack, going to Belfast to shoot our crazy little series.

‘Morgana is a one woman army of comic power, and the little gang of loons we found make a very lumpy talent piñata. Terrifying.

‘I'm only OK with this because I know our brilliant director Ian FitzGibbon specialises in coaxing magic even from clumps like me who breathe through their foreheads and bang into the walls. Check us out.’

In the series, Moran’s character Dan has just been laid off  while his younger wife Carla is disillusioned with the relationship – especially when an ex arrives back on the scene.

Executive producer Jimmy Mulville said: 'I can’t think of a better way of beginning a new year than working on a Dylan Moran comedy. In Stuck he turns the traditional rom-com on its head with some hilarious and painfully honest observations.

'And with Morgana Robinson as his co-star it promises to be a masterclass in comic writing and performing.'

Seb Barwell, the BBC's commissioning editor, added: 'Dylan is one of the great comic minds of our time, so it’s hugely exciting that he’s created this new narrative series, tackling love, relationships and a very current sense of limbo, with all the finely-honed insight and humour of his stand-up shows.'

Stuck  is being shot in Belfast this month, but was excluded from a number of Northern Irish comedies announced by the BBC yesterday.

Moran will also be touring his new  stand-up show We Got This from March.

» Dylan Moran tour dates.