Sue to come out as a sitcom writer

Dawn French and EastEnders star June Brown are to star in a new sitcom created by Great British Bake Off host Sue Perkins.

Sue will lead the cast of BBC Two's Heading Out playing a successful vet who struggles to tell her parents she is gay.

The programme will also feature Sue's comedy partner and fellow Bake Off host Mel Giedroyc.

In the show Sara - played by Sue - is given an ultimatum by her friends to come out to her parents after she turns 40.

The programme also features Benidorm and The League Of Gentlemen star Steve Pemberton, as well as Drop The Dead Donkey and Hollyoaks actor Jeff Rawle.

Sue said: "I think once the gnawing terror, sleepless nights and relentless self-doubt has subsided, this might well be the thing that I'm most proud of."

The programme's executive editor Kristian Smith said: "Audiences can expect a super-sized, well-baked comedy from one of our very finest."

The six-part series is due to be screened next year.