Production is underway on the second series of Funny Woman, the Sky comedy drama starring Gemma Arterton as a comedian building a career in the 1960s.

Four new hour-long episodes are set to be created, as production begins in Liverpool and across the Northwest of England.

Steve Zissis (The Changeling), Marcus Rutherford (The Wheel Of Time), Tim Key (This Time With Alan Partridge), Gemma Whelan (Upstart Crow) and Roisin Conaty (GameFace) have been announced as joining the cast.

The new run will also see Arsher Ali return as Dennis Mohindra, David Threlfall back as George Parker, Rosie Cavaliero as Aunt Marie Parker and Alexa Davies as Marjorie Harrison.

Also returning are Matthew Beard as Bill Gardiner, Leo Bill as Tony, Clare-Hope Ashitey as Diane, and Alistair Petrie as Ted Sargeant.

The series, based on the character created by Nick Hornby, is written by Morwenna Banks, Kevin Cecil and Andy Riley, with BAFTA nominee Oliver Parker directing.

The blurb for the new series is as follows: "Series 2 finds Sophie on a high. She is the nation's favourite TV comedy star; she's got a group of good friends and her romance with Dennis is full of promise. But trouble is just round the corner: Dennis's divorce will take three years; Sophie's new sitcom flops and she uncovers a devastating family secret. Sophie escapes the turmoil by taking a leading role in a film opposite a glamorous French movie heart-throb. The film is a hit and Sophie's slick new US agent offers her a fresh start in Hollywood...

"But Sophie returns to London, determined to get the gang back together and to create a new show which reflects her real life, challenges outdated cultural conventions and proves that she and her mates are Funny Women!"

Morwenna Banks says: "It's a thrill to dive back into the world of 1960s' London - with the extraordinary cast and crew of Funny Woman Series 2. Thanks to the genius of Gemma Arterton as Nick Hornby's heroine Sophie Straw - a whole host of new guest stars have joined us. We welcome stellar performances from Steve Zissis, Marcus Rutherford, Tim Key, Gemma Whelan, Roisin Conaty and many more ...Tune in Turn On and don't Drop Out".

The new series will launch later this year on Sky Max and streaming service NOW. The first series is available to watch on catch-up.