Derry Girls' Louisa Harland to star in upcoming Disney+ series The Ballad of Renegade Nell

Louisa Harland – famed for her role as Orla in Derry Girls – is set to star in an upcoming Disney+ series, The Ballad of Renegade Nell, playing "the quick-witted and courageous Nell", as reported by Variety this morning.

Harland's character "ends up on an extraordinary adventure after she is framed for murder – a twist of fate that has far bigger consequences than Nell could ever dream of," the outlet states. The series follows Nell, an 18th century young woman, as she finds herself "unwittingly becoming the most famous highwaywoman in the country."

The eight-part "adventure and fantasy" series is written and executive produced by Sally Wainwright, the creator of Happy Valley, Scott & Bailey, Last Tango in Halifax and Gentleman Jack.

Sex Education director Ben Taylor is also on board, alongside directors Amanda Brotchie and MJ Delaney.

The cast also includes Nick Mohammed, Joely Richardson, Adrian Lester, Alice Kremelberg, Craig Parkinson, Frank Dillane, Pip Torrens, Jake Dunn, Enyi Okoronkwo, Bo Bragson and Florence Keen.

Faith Penhale, Will Johnston and Louise Mutter are executive producing the series for Lookout Point, alongside Disney+'s Johanna Devereaux.

In addition to her work in Derry Girls, Harland has also appeared in the series The Deceived, and the 2020 film Boys from County Hell.