Filming starts on Miranda's BBC Two sitcom

The show, loosely based on her semi-autobiographical Radio Two show Miranda Hart's Joke Shop, will air in the autumn.

An impressive supporting cast has been assembled for the six half-hour episodes, led by Patricia Hodge as Hart’s constantly disappointed mother, Penny.

Sally Phillips plays her Sloane Ranger childhood rival Tilly; Peter Davison her old French teacher and Moving Wallpaper’s Sarah Hadland as Hart’s friend Stevie, the manager of the joke shop she owns.

Comedian Katy Wix, who appeared with Hart in Lee Mack’s sitcom Not Going Out, also has a guest role.

Hart said: ‘Since I can remember I have wanted to be a comedian and so to have my own show on the BBC is a total thrill, albeit slightly unnerving. To have actors like Patricia Hodge and Sally Philips interested in my writing, let alone agreeing to do the job, is a real honour.

‘Comedy is such an important part of my life, if I hadn't had people like French and Saunders, Morecambe and Wise and Joyce Grenfell to watch, my life would have been a much duller place and so to be a part of this wonderful industry is a real blessing – I can't believe my luck.’

Executive producer Jo Sargent, said: ‘We are delighted to be working with Miranda – it is rare to find someone so uniquely talented.’

Miranda Hart’s Joke Shop was originally made as a TV pilot, before being made for radio, and this new version has been in the pipeline for more than a year.

Published: 19 Jun 2009