My Mad Fat Diary star Jodie Comer will lead the cast of Thirteen, BBC Three’s latest drama series.

Written by newcomer Marnie Dickens, Thirteen explores “how to pick up the threads of a life half-lived and how to survive as a family under the greatest pressure.”

The five 60-minute episodes will tell the story of Ivy Moxham (Jodie Comer), a 26-year-old woman who escapes from the cellar that’s been her prison for the last thirteen years. Returning home to her family and to her life, this is only the beginning of the story.

Comer commented: “I am beyond excited to be working with the BBC as part of the cast of Thirteen. Marnie Dickens’ writing is truly remarkable and I feel privileged to have the opportunity to bring Ivy to life. Imagine the most unimaginable happening. Life turning completely on its head, with the actions of one person affecting so many lives. We as humans, even though we doubt ourselves, have this amazing strength within us to cope in the most terrifying situations, and Marnie explores that so beautifully. With Vanessa Caswill’s vision and such a truly talented cast and crew, I cannot wait to introduce you all to this world that so often becomes people’s reality.”

The cast will also include Aneurin Barnard (War And Peace), Richard Rankin (From Darkness), Valene Kane (The Fall), Natasha Little (Wolf Hall), Stuart Graham (Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), Joe Layton (Tatau), Katherine Rose Morley (Last Tango In Halifax), Eleanor Wyld (Misfits), Ariyon Bakare (Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell) and Nicholas Farrell (Bloody Sunday).

Damian Kavanagh, Controller of BBC Three, says: “The team Elizabeth has pulled together perfectly demonstrates how BBC Three is all about nurturing emerging UK talent and the most innovative ideas that appeal to young people.”

Writer Marnie Dickens said: “The characters of Thirteen have been in my head for a long time. To now see such an incredible cast bringing them to life is just brilliant.”

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