New rural comedy for Extras star Ashley

Extras star Ashley Jensen is to star as a high-powered executive who tries to run a farm in a new one-off comedy being piloted by the BBC.

In the 60-minute test episode, now in production for BBC One, she plays a London-based control freak who flees to the country when she finds her boyfriend in bed with another woman.

Other characters include an octogenarian sitting tenant, a drunk handyman, a horsey neighbour and a dishy vet.

Jensen, who also starred in Ugly Betty, said: ‘I am really looking forward to working in the UK again on Accidental Farmer and getting my feet dirty in a farm somewhere in Yorkshire.

‘It's a great script and I love animals, though I have never worked with them before.’

The show is written by Daisy Coulam, a graduate of the BBC Drama Writers Academy who has previously written for EastEnders, Casualty, Doctors and Holby City.

Published: 8 Jun 2010