Jacobi and Mckellen star as a bickering gay couple in, ‘Viscous‘

ITV has commissioned a brand new studio sitcom, “Vicious” starring two British respected luminaries of stage and screen Ian McKellen (Lord Of The Rings) and Derek Jacobi (Last Tango In Halifax).

“Vicious” tells the story of ageing partners, Freddie (Ian McKellen) and Stuart (Derek Jacobi), two men who have lived together in a small Covent Garden flat for nearly 50 years. Freddie was a budding actor and Stuart a barman when they first met but their careers are now pretty much over and their lives now consist of reading books, walking their dog and bickering….

Joining Freddie and Stuart is feisty best friend Violet (played by Frances De La Tour). She’s young at heart with a delicious sense of humour and always on hand to calm Freddie and Stuart down during one of their many arguments.

And their worlds are turned upside down with the arrival of a young man, Ash, as their new upstairs neighbour.

The show will be written by Gary Janetti, the Emmy nominated writer/producer behind hit shows Family Guy and Will & Grace. And has been co-created by Gary and the Olivier award winning playwrite Mark Ravenhill.

Gary Janetti, Writer and Co-Producer says “I’m incredibly excited to be working with ITV and this unbelievable cast!”

“Vicious” is a Brown Eyed Boy production in association with Kudos Film and TV and directed by Ed Bye (My Family, French & Saunders, Red Dwarf). Co-producers are Gary Reich from Brown Eyed Boy and Gary Janetti. Executive Producer Jemma Rodgers (League of Gentleman)

“Vicious” airs on ITV in 2013.