Susan Nickson (pictured), the creator and writer of BBC Three hit Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, is to pilot a brand new sitcom for BBC One.

Kendal-set Merry Widows will star Miriam Margolyes and Natalie Casey as Renee and her grand-daughter Billie, both of whom have been widowed: Renee during the 1960s conflict in Borneo, and Billie to the present military action in Afghanistan.

Renee's daughter - Billie's mother - is Jackie, widowed in the early Nineties by a virus. All three women lost their husbands before the age of 30. Casting for Jackie and other roles have yet to be confirmed.

The pilot, which will be recorded on Sunday 29th May at BBC Television Centre, will be directed by Ed Bye (My Family), and executive-produced by Jo Sargent (Miranda). Tickets are available now.

The news comes at the same time as Nickson establishes an independent production company with Coming Of Age writer Tim Dawson and director/producer Ed Bye (Red Dwarf, Bottom). Tall TV will specialise in comedy.

Between them Bye, Dawson and Nickson have created or contributed to many of the most popular and memorable comedies of recent years including Absolutely Fabulous, Red Dwarf, Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps, Coming Of Age, Grownups, Canned Carrott, My Family and The Vicar Of Dibley.

Ed Bye commented: "The name comes from the fact that Tim and myself are around 6ft 3ins tall and Susan has committed to wearing substantial heels or possibly stilts in order to give the company name some credence."

As well as developing their own material, the company is seeking to work with the best in front of and behind the camera talent to bring exciting new projects to air. The comedy triumvirate are already talking to British broadcasters including the BBC and Sky, as well as a network in the US.