Note: since this article was published the show's title was changed to 'Boomers'

Filming has now started on Grey Mates, an all-star BBC One sitcom.

Russ Abbot, Stephanie Beacham, Philip Jackson, James Smith, Alison Steadman, June Whitfield and Paula Wilcox are now on set in Norfolk to make the six-part series.

Grey Mates follows the ups and downs of three couples living in Thurnemouth, 'Norfolk's only West facing resort.'

Alan (Pete Versus Life actor Philip Jackson) and Joyce (Gavin & Stacey's Alison Steadman) 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 (Russ Abbot) and Maureen (Dynasty star Stephanie 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 (Terry & June acting legend June Whitfield).

And finally there's Trevor (The Thick Of It's James Smith) and Carol (Paula Wilcox from Mount Pleasant) who've got non-communication down to such a fine art that if Trevor spent a weekend away, Carol might not even notice. 30 years of living in each other's pockets have shown the benefits and drawbacks staying friends over the decades.

Grey Mates is being made by Hat Trick Productions, the company behind other BBC One shows including Outnumbered. The six episodes have been written by Richard Pinto (Citizen Khan, The Armstrong & Miller Show, The Kumars At No 42). Filming is being overseen by producer Paul Schlesinger (Twenty Twelve) and directed by Adam Miller (Some Girls).

As the series opens it is Trevor and Carol's anniversary and Joyce has invited the group to make it a celebration to remember. However, the perfect day is threatened by a series of unfortunate incidents. Not least the unexpected arrival of Maureen's mum Joan who's partial to a drink or two. Then Carol drops a bombshell. Maureen and Joyce have different views on how to put the party back on track, and the men try to deal with the inevitable fallout. The best laid plans, like Maureen's mum, often go astray... Each couple takes a long, hard look at who they've ended up with; there's so much more to achieve in their own lives, do they want to spend the rest of it with each other?

Guests joining the all-star ensemble cast during the series include Dudley Sutton (Porridge, and William in Emmerdale), The Young Ones star Nigel Planer, Marian McLoughlin (Spy) and George Layton (Doctor In The House).

BBC One's Charlotte Moore says: "Comedy has a unique ability to make the ordinary extraordinary and Grey Mates 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."

Comedy commissioner Shane Allen adds: "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."

Executive Producer Jimmy Mulville notes: "Richard Pinto has captured exactly what it's like to be 60-something in the 21st Century. It's laugh-out-loud and touching, sometimes in the same moment."

Paul Schlesinger summarises: "I'm delighted we are making this for BBC One - especially as the stories revolve around a group of characters who don't often take centre stage in comedy. Forensically observed relationships with a superb cast which we hope will bring audiences back week after week."

Grey Mates will be on BBC One later in the year.