Sky Max has commissioned a second series of period comedy Funny Woman.

Starring Gemma Arterton and based on Nick Hornby's book Funny Girl, the series follows a young working class woman attempting to make her mark in the very male, very middle class British comedy scene of the 1960s.

Producers say: "In Series 1, Barbara from Blackpool realised her dream and became TV comedy star, Sophie Straw, the nation's favourite. In Series 2, Sophie finds out that 'having a voice' doesn't mean it will be heard and that fame is a fickle friend.

"Fed up with being the comic muse in old school comedy shows, Sophie tries her hand at arthouse cinema hoping it will be more progressive - it isn't! Undeterred, Sophie decides to create her own comedy show where she can tell authentic stories in all their messy and hilarious glory. She's found her voice, and no one can stop her using it! She learns that the power is in the word."

Featuring detailed in-jokes and references to the real comedy scene and establishment of the era, Series 1 ran in February and March this year. Co-stars included Rupert Everett, David Threlfall, Tom Bateman, Arsher Ali, Alexa Davies and Leo Bill.

Funny Woman is produced by Potboiler and Rebel Park Productions, in association with Sky Studios. Executive produced by Nick Hornby, Gemma Arterton, Andrea Calderwood, Gail Egan, Jessica Parker and Jessica Malik.

The series is written by multi-award-winning Morwenna Banks and directed by BAFTA nominee Oliver Parker. Tilusha Ghelani commissioned the project for Sky Studios.