The cast list has been announced for E4's new comedy drama Foreign Bodies.

The series, which was first announced in January, is set around a group of backpackers who are travelling the world.

E4 confirms today: "Featuring a host of breakthrough UK and US on-screen talent and written by an exciting slate of British writers, Foreign Bodies is the story of a motley crew of travellers embarking on a three-month trip around Asia."

Newcomer Anders Hayward (Sistema) will play delusional romantic Dylan, a man who thinks every woman he meets is a potential life partner.

Ade Oyefeso (Youngers) is Sean, a friendly, easy-going guy hoping for a bit of escapism.

They are joined by emerging Canadian star Brittney Wilson (Bates Motel), who plays blunt and headstrong Ashley, a young American student who is academically intelligent but emotionally unintelligent.

Alongside her is Alice Lee (Faking It) as May, a highly-strung worrier who tends to over-think every situation.

British actor, writer, performance poet, Alan Partridge star, and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Tim Key joins them as Greg, a 38-year-old in denial about his marriage, his business and life in general. His upbeat energy hides a multitude of problems.

The producers explain: "All the members of the gang have personal quests that have brought them half way round the world. May wants to meet her extended family in China and reconnect with her roots, Ashley is hell-bent on cramming in a lifetime of exotic experiences before she starts her high-flying career back home, Dylan wants to track down and win back his ex-girlfriend, Sean wants to shed his innocence, and Greg, a divorcee who doesn't want to travel alone, hopes to roll back the years and relive the wild hedonism of his youth.

"In the end, they may or may not get what they hoped for, but they'll all come away with something better: The realisation that no matter how far you go, no matter how hard you try, you can't take a holiday from yourself."

The eight-part series will see the friendship group venturing across China, Thailand and Vietnam. The series has been created by Plebs and The Wrong Mans star Tom Basden (pictured) and, as previously revealed, will be scripted by Basden plus James Wood (Rev), Amy Roberts (Shameless), Loren McLaughlin (Shameless), Charlie Covell (Burn Burn Burn), Tim Key, and Jonny Sweet (Together).

Award-winning director Jonathan van Tulleken (Misfits) is set to direct the first set of episodes.

It has also been announced today that Channel 4 has struck a co-production deal with the US network TNT, who will show the series in America.

Piers Wenger from Channel 4 says: "Tom Basden and the team of outstanding British writers have created a show that perfectly captures the hilarity of a gap year going wrong when five would-be travellers embark on an epic quest to find paradise... and themselves. I'm thrilled that Foreign Bodies will have a US home on TNT and look forward to working with [production company] Eleven to bring this fresh and exciting project to both UK and US audiences."

Sarah Aubrey from TNT comments: "Foreign Bodies is a terrific opportunity for TNT to work with eOne, Eleven and E4 on a series that will appeal to young adults not only in the US and the UK but also around the globe. It's also a great chance to bring Tom Basden's unique voice to our stateside viewers."

Producers Joel Wilson and Jamie Campbell of Eleven add: "We're very excited to be working with TNT in bringing Foreign Bodies alive. Along with Channel 4, TNT has shared and supported our vision for the show from the moment we pitched it. It's a great privilege to be working with such a dynamic pair of broadcasters on a show of such scale and ambition. Tom is a true visionary, and we can't wait to get shooting."

Foreign Bodies is scheduled to premiere on E4 in early 2017, followed later in the year by its US debut on TNT.