Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey), Miranda Richardson (Mapp & Lucia) and Zoë Wanamaker (Mr Selfridge, My Family) will star as childhood friends Linda, Sue and Gail who find themselves thrown back into each others lives after the sudden death of Linda's husband Micky.

Phyllis Logan, who plays Linda, said of the new role, "I’m thrilled to be part of Girlfriends, written by the wonderful Kay Mellor and to be working not only with her but the stellar cast that has been assembled.

"It’s a hugely exciting project and I feel enormously fortunate to be involved in it. I can’t wait to get started.”

The story follows the three women as they struggle with the responsibilities and difficulties that come with being a modern woman as well as their own personal struggles; from divorce and family commitments, to age discrimination and job losses. 

As Linda adjusts to her new life alone as a widow after 30 years of marriage, the three women's friendship is put to the test as accusations and secrets emerge surrounding the circumstances of Micky's death.

“A whole summer spent working on a women-driven script, written and directed by a woman who has proved herself many times over as a force of nature in TV drama alongside some of our most gifted female actors - what's not to like?” commented Miranda Richardson, who plays Sue.

“I'm looking forward to working on this exciting new series with such a stellar cast," added Zoë Wanamaker, who plays Gail, added.

"I have long been a fan of Kay’s work and am relishing the opportunity to work alongside Miranda and Phyllis.”

The leading women are joined by a star studded cast, including Daisy Head (Guilt), Chris Fountain (Coronation Street), Philip Cumbus (Comus), Matthew Lewis (Harry Potter), Val Lilley (Shameless) and Anthony Head (A Street Cat Named Bob).

The six-part drama is written and directed by Kay Mellor (The Syndicate) who said of the project, “Girlfriends is my passion project, it’s a story that I’ve been longing to tell."

She added, "I’m aware that there are a lot of women of a certain age who feel like they are invisible and unheard, so I’m proud to have the chance to shine a light on their lives and give them a voice.

"The series is not just a platform for their voices though – there is a big, bold, dark story at its heart, which is shot through with humour. I’m hoping both men and women will love it as much as I’ve loved writing it.”