Hollywood A-lister joins cast of new Irish TV show with Derry Girls star

The show comes from the writer of recent hits Crá and Fran the Man.

The show is based on the award-winning, best-selling novel of the same name by Rónán Hession, with Roberts joining the already cast Alex Lawther (Alien: Earth), Jamie-Lee O'Donnell (Derry Girls) and Laurie Kynaston (Fool Me Once).

The plot synopsis for the comedy reads:

"The feel-good series follows two board-gaming friends in their thirties; Leonard (Lawther), a ghost writer of children’s encyclopaedias, and Hungry Paul (Kynaston), a part-time postal worker who still lives at home, who meander through leafy suburban life finding solace in their quiet routines.

"The unexpected death of Leonard’s mother, the approaching wedding of Hungry Paul’s sister and a tentative new romance for Leonard, prompt both men to meet a world that is suddenly wider and full of unfamiliar possibilities."

Roberts will serve as the narrator of the show, with the actress having reportedly been a huge fan of the original book.

Julia Roberts joins the cast of Leonard and Hungry Paul

In a statement, Tristan Orpen Lynch, Executive Producer of the series, said of the Oscar-winner's addition to the cast: “It is truly wonderful to have the amazingly talented Julia Roberts join the production.

"We had heard she was a big fan of Rónán’s beautiful book, and she brings a real warmth and genuine compassionate understanding to this important role, which guides us through the unique world and special characters.”

Eddie Doyle, Senior Head of Content Commissioning at BBC Northern Ireland, added: “To have Julia Roberts lend her extraordinary voice and storytelling talent to this series is another ringing endorsement for how special this project is.

"Her narration will add to the magic of this story, and we are excited to bring it to audiences very soon.”

Leonard and Hungry Paul has been adapted for the screen by writers Mark Hodkinson (Fran) and Richie Conroy.

Conroy, who was recently interviewed by JOE, is best known for writing the Irish-language mystery series Crá and the currently in cinemas sports comedy film Fran the Man.

Made by the BBC and RTÉ, Leonard and Hungry Paul will consist of six 30-minute episodes.

Having filmed in Dublin last May, the show is set to air later this autumn on the BBC.