Sir Ian McKellen and Sir Derek Jacobi have teamed up for a new sitcom. The two veteran theatrical knights, joined by Rising Damp star Frances De La Tour, will play a bickering gay couple in ITV1's Vicious next year. The show, created by Will And Grace writer Gary Janetti and award-winning playwright Mark Ravenhill, is the story of Freddie, an ageing actor played by Sir Ian, and Stuart, played by Sir Derek, who have lived together in a cramped Covent Garden flat for almost 50 years. Frances plays their best friend Violet who has to try to make the peace between them when their lives are turned upside-down by the arrival of a young man, Ash, who moves in upstairs. Gary, who has also written for the award-winning cartoon Family Guy, said: "I'm incredibly excited to be working with ITV and this unbelievable cast." ITV's comedy commissioning editor Myfanwy Moore said: "ITV is thrilled this exciting and bold sitcom, with stellar performers and writing talent, is to join the increasing slate of new-look comedy shows on the channel."
