Absolute Fabulous star June Whitfield has been cast in Boomers – previously titled Grey Mates – a new BBC One comedy series about three recently retired couples.

Written by Richard Pinto (The Kumars at No. 42), the six 30-minute episodes will also star Alison Steadman, Paula Wilcox, Russ Abbot, Stephanie Beacham, Philip Jackson and James Smith.

BBC One Controller Charlotte Moore commented: “Comedy has a unique ability to make the ordinary extraordinary and [Boomers] delivers that with a big hit of characters. The series follows three newly retired couples who re-discover what it means to have time on their hands, hilariously brought to life by a stellar cast whose relationships are tested in a multitude of ways.”

Executive producer Shane Allen added: “This is a very modern, affectionate and brutally honest single camera take on a stage of life often stereotyped and outmoded in sitcomworld. Cast perfection on top of a script that glitters with comedy gems.”

The official synopsis reads: “[Boomers] follows the ups and downs of three couples living in Thurnemouth, ‘Norfolk’s only West facing resort.’ There’s Alan (Jackson) and Joyce (Steadman), who are coming at retirement from very different directions: Alan wants to slow down, Joyce wants to speed up. Alan tries to avoid as many of Joyce’s social commitments as possible, but downsizing to a bungalow has meant there are fewer places to hide. John (Abbot) and Maureen (Beacham) live in their gadget-filled dream house, adventurous in every aspect including the bedroom. For them 60 is the new 40. However, there’s a reminder of what’s around the corner with Maureen’s ever-present Mum Joan (Whitfield). And finally there’s Trevor (Smith) and Carol (Wilcox) who’ve got non-communication down to such a fine art that if Carol spent a weekend away, Trevor might not even notice. 30 years of living in each other’s pockets have shown the benefits and drawbacks staying friends over the decades…”

Boomers will begin filming next spring.

Are you looking forward to Boomers? Let us know below…