Diane Morgan and Sue Johnston were in a rush to produce their new comedy series, Ann Droid, as they were concerned that the futuristic concept of the show might become a reality before it could be aired.

Set just three years ahead, Ann Droid features Diane portraying Linda, an elder care robot, while Sue takes on the role of Sue, Linda’s hesitant owner. Sue, known for her role in The Royle Family, expressed her anxiety about the rapid advancements in robotics, fearing that someone else would beat them to the idea if they didn’t act quickly.

In the series, Linda is gifted to Sue by her son Michael after a hospital visit due to a fall. Initially resistant to the idea of being cared for by a robot, Sue gradually warms up to Linda. Diane drew inspiration for the show from reports of robot caregivers in Japan and her personal experiences with her mother.

Both Sue and Paul Ready, who plays Michael, agreed to star in the series, much to Diane’s delight. Sue praised the script for its blend of humor and warmth, emphasizing the relatable and well-written characters.

Reflecting on her character, Sue, who is 82 years old, found similarities between herself and her on-screen persona, particularly in dealing with falls and the challenges of aging and loneliness following her husband’s passing.

Diane, who also stars in the series, underwent training to adopt robotic movements for her role as Linda. Despite the physical challenges, the series evolved from a light-hearted comedy into a more poignant narrative about grief and caring for elderly parents.

With an impressive supporting cast, including actors from popular shows like Death In Paradise and Game of Thrones, Ann Droid promises a mix of humor and heart. While the show explores themes of tenderness, Diane clarifies that Linda, being a robot, lacks emotions, despite the desire to believe otherwise.

Anticipating the integration of robots in caregiving services in the future, Diane envisions a scenario where robots may play a role in her own old age, humorously suggesting that she might end up being fed soup by a robot.

“Ann Droid” is scheduled to premiere on Friday, July 17, at 9:30 pm on BBC One.