ITV Commissions New Sitcom Starring Ian McKellen & Derek Jacobi

LONDON: ITV has ordered the sitcom Vicious, which stars Ian McKellen and Derek Jacobi, for its 2013 schedule.

Gary Janetti, who has been a writer/producer on such shows as Family Guy and Will & Grace, will pen the series, which has been co-created by Mark Ravenhill. Vicious is a Brown Eyed Boy production in association with Kudos Film and TV.

McKellen and Jacobi play two men who have lived together in a small Covent Garden flat for nearly 50 years. Their lives consist of reading books, walking their dog and bickering. Frances De La Tour plays their young-at-heart, feisty best friend. Their worlds are all turned upside down when a new neighbor moves in upstairs.

Janetti, who is serving as writer and co-producer, said, "I’m incredibly excited to be working with ITV and this unbelievable cast!"

Gary Reich, the managing director at Brown Eyed Boy, added, "Brown Eyed Boy is privileged to bring such a fantastic project to life with such extraordinary talent, both on and off screen."

Myfanwy Moore, ITV’s comedy commissioning editor, commented, "’ITV is thrilled this exciting and bold sitcom, with stellar performers and writing talent is to join the increasing slate of new look comedy shows on the channel."