Gentlemen Jack and Vigil star Suranne Jones is to take the lead role in a Sky comedy drama special that is loosely based on the story of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.

Sky describes Christmas Carole as "a yuletide story of our times, with apologies to Charles Dickens".

Producers explain: "BAFTA award-winning Suranne Jones stars in this seasonal new Sky Original. Carole Mackay (Jones) is an unashamedly outspoken and wealthy entrepreneur. Her online business selling all things festive has earned her a fortune, as well as the nickname 'Christmas Carole'.

"But her success hasn't made her a better human being. In fact, it's made her worse. The truth is that Carole is a monumentally mean person. Positively Scrooge-like. And, just like Ebeneezer, she doesn't love Christmas at all. But this Christmas Eve, Carole's past, present and future are about to collide. Will some rather familiar Christmas spirits help her discover the true spirit of Christmas?"

The comedy is written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto, who have previously worked together on shows such as Citizen Khan and Goodness Gracious Me. Experienced producer Gareth Edwards (Upstart Crow, Still Open All Hours) will oversee production, with Ian Fitzgibbon (The Tuckers, Hullraisers) as director.

Christmas Carole is one of a number of Sky shows announced today. Other comedy formats confirmed, which have been previously revealed by British Comedy Guide, include Katherine Ryan and Romesh Ranganathan sitcom Romantic Getaway and Rosie Molloy Gives Up Everything, a series starring Sheridan Smith.