Gemma Arterton is set to star in new Sky comedy series 'Funny Girl'.

Gemma Arterton

Gemma Arterton

The 35-year-old actress - who has appeared in the likes of 'Clash of the Titans', 'St. Trinian's' and 'Quantum of Solace' - is leading the way as Barbara Parker in the upcoming adaptation of Nick Horby's novel of the same name.

The series - which is set in the 1960s and has been directed by Oliver Parker from a script by Morwenna Banks - follows a young woman from Blackpool as she finds her feet and takes London by storm in the male-dominated world of comedy.

'Top Boy' star Clare-Hope Ashitey, The Missing's Arsher Ali and 'Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again!' actress Alexa Davies are also part of the cast, with more to be confirmed.

The synopsis reads: "It’s the height of the swinging 60s and Barbara Parker has just been crowned Miss Blackpool – but there’s got to be more to life than being a beauty queen in a seaside town, right?

"She wants to be… someone. The bright lights of London are calling, and our determined hero sets off to find out who that someone is."

She ends up in unfamiliar territory as she auditions for a TV comedy show, which launches herself into superstardom.

Gemma said in a statement: "t’s a heart-warming story of an ambitious woman with a dream of making people laugh – it’s going to be something special.

"It’s an honour to be working with such an incredible team and be reunited with my first ever director, Oliver Parker.”

And Jon Mountague - director of comedy for Sky Studios - added: "With Morwenna Banks’ brilliant script, this was the perfect opportunity to bring a contemporary take on this inspiring story.

"Funny, smart and revealing – exactly what a Sky Original comedy should be, and we can’t wait."

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