...in new ITV2 sitcom, Cockroaches

ITV2 has ordered a new sitcom set in a post-apocalyptic world, featuring Jack Whitehall.

Cockroaches has been created by Whitehall’s Bad Education writing partner, Freddy Syborn.

It will star Daniel Lawrence Taylor, of musical comedy duo Ginger & Black, and relative newcomer Esther Smith as Tom and Suze, two 29-year-old survivors of a nuclear holocaust. They 'wander the wasteland of England, where they encounter boredom, laziness and former flames', according to trade magazine Broadcast.

Whitehall will play Suze’s 'insufferable' ex-boyfriend, while Jaime Winstone, Caroline Quentin and Dan Renton Skinner will also make cameos.

Six half-hour episodes have been ordered from Rev makers Big Talk Productions.

ITV director of digital channels Angela Jain said: 'I don’t believe in doing anything unless it’s ambitious. ITV2 has to stand up to the same scrutiny as other channels.'

The broadcaster's director of television, Peter Fincham, has said comedy will be 'central' to the new-look ITV2 as it increasingly focuses on scripted content.

Published: 15 May 2014