The BBC has commissioned Queen Of Oz, a sitcom starring Catherine Tate as a member of the Royal Family sent to Australia.

The BBC explains: "Princess Georgiana (Tate) is the black sheep of a fictional British Royal Family. A PR disaster, she's spent her spoilt, party-girl life plastered over the tabloids. On the back of her latest scandal her father, the King, makes the unprecedented move of abdicating his Australian throne in favour of his daughter. It is hoped that giving her some real responsibility will finally be the making of her - and if it isn't, at least shipping her off keeps her 10,000 miles away from London.

"Accompanied by a useless entourage, Queen Georgiana of Australia goes kicking and screaming to a country she has zero interest in beyond the Hemsworth Brothers."

The six-part series, which will air on BBC One, based on an original idea by Catherine Tate and Borga Dorta and written by Tate and Jeff Gutheim, is being produced in association with ABC Australia. Producers Lingo Pictures also make Tim Minchin sitcom Upright.

Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, says: "It's time to roll out the red carpet. And hang up the bunting again. We're excited to have the multi-award-winning Catherine Tate back making another comedy for the BBC. Her work has been enjoyed by millions over the years and we look forward to working with her on another hit for us."

Producer Michele Bennett says: "Catherine Tate is such a superb talent and the team at Lingo Pictures couldn't be more delighted to be working with her on this fabulously witty series. We know that British and Australians, as well as audiences around the world, are going to love this riotous take on royalty in Australia."

Filming will begin later this year in Australia and further casting will be announced in due course.