Derry Girls' Jamie-Lee O'Donnell to star in new BBC comedy

Jamie-Lee O'Donnell will star in Hopley Hall, a new comedy created and written by Daniel Peak, best known for his work on Not Going Out and Horrible Histories.

The six-part comedy series is centred around a historic and slightly shabby Grade 1 listed house in the Northern Irish countryside.

Hopley Hall follows the staff and volunteers who keep the house running. For generations, the sole resident of the house Lady Hopley has relied on tourism for the estate's survival, amid struggles to compete with a neighbouring castle.

"Delighted to be at the forefront of Daniel Peak's new BBC comedy series and looking forward to bringing this fun and exciting project to life", said O'Donnell. "I'll see you soon at Hopley Hall".

"I'm very excited and grateful for this opportunity to write a big, warm hearted ensemble sitcom for BBC, and to be doing it with an extremely talented writing team in Northern Ireland", said Peak. "I'm looking forward to opening the gates of Hopley Hall for public viewing".

O'Donnell is best known for her role as Michelle Mahon in the Channel 4 sitcom Derry Girls. The sitcom was nominated for four BAFTAs during its airing, and won Best Scripted Comedy in 2023.