...about older women

Archers star Amy Shindler is to co-write a new sitcom for ITV.

She and fellow actor Beth Chalmers have created the six-part series Cabbage and Pat, about a pair of older women – one widowed, one divorcee – who together find a new lust for life.

The commission is the pair’s biggest break as writers, although both contributed to Comedy Central’s Threesome last year.

Shindler, right in the picture, plays Abridge’s Brenda Tucker – while Chalmers is a regular in in Disney Channel’s Groove High, and also counts among her TV comedy acting credits Broken News, The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff - and playing Angela in Miranda’s 2012 Christmas special

The show – which is likely to land a pre-watershed slot – will be made by Manchester-based Red Production Company, which is run by Shindler’s cousin, Nicola Shindler.

She said: ‘Cabbage and Pat has something really special; genuinely fresh and funny writing at its heart.  Amy and Beth have created two extraordinary characters who, after coming through a life changing event, have a brand new perspective on life and are fully launching themselves into a brave, new world with gusto, warmth and humour.’

ITV comedy commissioning editor Myfanwy Moore. said: ‘The characters feel real and engaging, and their exploits fresh and funny. It’s so refreshing to see witty scripts for two older women leads.’

The series goes into production later this year, but no cast has yet been announced as yet.

Published: 14 Feb 2013