Rob Delaney is to star in a new comedy-drama about a pop star recovering from addiction.

In Sober Companion, to air on Radio 4 and as a BBC Sounds podcast, the comedian will play Tim, a recovering addict assigned to be the sober companion to accompany 1990s star Lucy Green to rehab in Arizona following a relapse.

Delaney – who has been frank about his own struggles with alcohol in his youth – said: ‘What drew me to Sober Companion was the relationship at its heart. Tim and Lucy arrive in each other’s lives at a moment when both of them are struggling, and neither is particularly happy about the arrangement.

‘It’s funny, chaotic, moving and often surprising in the way it explores recovery, connection and second chances.’

The programme is a reunion – of sorts – with his Catastrophe co-star and co-creator Sharon Horgan, who is one of the executive producers as her company Merman Television Scotland is making the series.

Bel Powley,  who plays Lucy, added: ‘Lucy is such a fascinating character because she’s trying so hard to convince everyone, including herself, that she’s got everything under control. Underneath the celebrity and the tabloid headlines is someone who’s vulnerable, funny and desperately trying to hold her life together.’

The series has been written by Sarah Simmonds, whose credits include Killing Eve. The cast also includes Jameela Jamil as Lucy’s manager Sabrina and DJ Greg James as himself.

The series launches on Monday, November 2 as a podcast on BBC Sounds and other platforms and will also be broadcast on Radio 4 at 10.45pm on weekdays from the same date.

It is directed by Destiny Ekaragha, produced by Emma Morgan, and executive produced by Sharon Horgan, Faye Dorn and Pippa Brown for Merman Television Scotland. The commissioner and executive producer for BBC is Dylan Haskins.