Filming is now underway on Nurse, the new comedy series starring Paul Whitehouse.

BBC Two has released the first picture today, featuring Whitehouse as one of the many characters he will be playing in the show, alongside Esther Coles who takes on the central role of Liz, a community psychiatric nurse.

Nurse, which has already been a series on Radio 4, is a bittersweet comedy drama written by Paul Whitehouse and David Cummings.

The show focuses on Liz as she does her daily rounds visiting the homes of her patients (or 'service users' in today's jargon). It recounts the humorous, sometimes sad and often frustrating daily interactions with the nurse, whose job is to assess their progress, dispense medication and offer comfort and support.

Paul Whitehouse takes on the roles of many of Liz's patients and relatives. He's joined by a supporting case including Simon Day, Cecilia Noble, Rosie Cavaliero, Jason Maza, Vilma Hollingbery, Ben Bailey Smith and Colin Hoult.

Paul Whitehouse says: "Nurse is a project close to my heart, it's an opportunity to explore issues and characters at a deeper level, while trying to find humour and hope in difficult situations.''

The BBC's Shane Allen says: "Nurse has gone down very successfully on radio and we are very excited about the TV version. Nurse gives a sympathetic insight into the world of some of society's marginalised people. Paul is the leading character comedian of his generation and he has the ability to make you cry with laughter one minute and cry with empathy the next with the characters that he brings to life. There is warmth, truth and depth to Paul's comedy and Esther Coles is a very funny, warm actress who will bring real tenderness, pathos and humour to the show. It's a clever take on a multi-character comedy show, away from the sketch world, into something more heartfelt and considered."

Nurse is being produced by Tilusha Ghelani and directed by Ian Fitzgibbon (Moone Boy, Trying Again). Gareth Edwards (Mitchell & Webb) is the Executive Producer.

Four 30 minute episodes of Nurse are being filmed, with the show due to be broadcast on BBC Two later this year.