Catherine Tate to star in new BBC comedy Queen of Oz

The 54-year-old comic will both write and executive produce the six-part series, which is based on an original idea from herself and Borga Dorta.

The comedy follows Princess Georgiana (Tate), who is the black sheep of a fictional British royal family as she has spent her spoilt, party-girl life plastered over the tabloids.

On the back of her latest scandal her father, the King, makes the unprecedented move of abdicating his Australian throne in favour of her daughter. He hopes that giving her some real responsibility will be the making of her – and if it isn’t, it at least ships her 10,000 miles away from London.

Alongside a useless entourage, Queen Georgiana of Australia is sent kicking and screaming to a country she has no interest in apart from the Hemsworth brothers.

The ‘Catherine Tate Show’ star will executive produce the series with Michele Bennett and Helen Bowden. Christian Van Vuuren will direct the show, which is being produced by Lingo Pictures in association with ABC Australia.

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Filming will begin later this year in Australia and further casting will be announced in due course.

Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, said: “It’s time to roll out the red carpet. And hang up the bunting again. We’re excited to have the multi-award-winning Catherine Tate back making another comedy for the BBC. Her work has been enjoyed by millions over the years and we look forward to working with her on another hit for us.”

Bennett added: “Catherine Tate is such a superb talent and the team at Lingo Pictures couldn’t be more delighted to be working with her on this fabulously witty series.

“We know that British and Australians, as well as audiences around the world, are going to love this riotous take on royalty in Australia.”