Derry Girls star teams with Hollywood legend for BBC comedy based on bestselling book

Fans of Derry Girls should keep their eyes peeled for the upcoming comedy series featuring breakout star Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, set to hit BBC iPlayer soon.

The Irish actress is joining forces with Alex Lawther from The End of the F***ing World and Alien: Earth, and Laurie Kynaston from The Sandman, for a heartwarming new comedy.

In addition, a surprise Hollywood star has also been roped in for a significant role.

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The series, Leonard and Hungry Paul, based on a bestselling novel by Rónán Hession, revolves around two friends in their 30s who have a penchant for board games.

The synopsis reveals: "Leonard & Hungry Paul follows two board-gaming friends in their thirties", reports the Express.

"Leonard, a ghost writer of children's encyclopaedias, and Hungry Paul, a part-time postal worker who still lives at home, who meander through leafy suburban life finding solace in their quiet routines.

"The unexpected death of Leonard's mother, the approaching wedding of Hungry Paul's sister and a tentative new romance for Leonard, prompts both men to meet a world that is suddenly wider and full of unfamiliar possibilities."

Billed as a "feel-good" series, this six-part comedy is narrated by none other than Hollywood icon Julia Roberts.

Andrew Chaplin, known for his work on Alma's Not Normal, directs the series, while screenwriters Richie Conroy and Mark Hodkinson have adapted Hession's novel.

Those unfamiliar with the narrative can anticipate a heartwarming and inspiring tale of friendship. Hession's book has already garnered a dedicated fanbase who should certainly not miss its upcoming release on BBC Northern Ireland, BBC Two and iPlayer.

One glowing five-star review on Goodreads described the book as "such an unexpected delight".

The reviewer went on to say: "The writing is sharp, witty, observant, the humour is wry and I found myself giggling and smiling often. I need more books like this in my life."

Another reader commented: "There was so much interior drama in this quiet and unassuming book that I was often on the edge of my seat as I was reading, wanting these men and everyone around them to stay happy.

"Maybe because real life these days seems to be a mine field, filled with stress and anxiety, a book like this is a balm for the soul. At least it was that way for me."

Will you be switching on to watch this subtly uplifting new series when it lands on the BBC in just a few weeks?

Leonard and Hungry Paul will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC Two this October.