Suranne Jones is to star in a new drama series penned by Kay Mellor.

The former Coronation Street actress will play sex therapist Linda Nelson in the six-part Strictly Confidential, currently in production for ITV.

Linda works in the vibrant city practice alongside her brother-in-law Greg (Tristan Gemmill, Distant Shores), advising a number of clients on sexual problems ranging from "retarded ejaculation" to "vaginismus". Nikki Sanderson (Coronation Street) guest stars in episode one as a newlywed who is failing to fulfil her husband's desires.

Linda is not without her own problems, however: she and husband Richard (Cristian Solimeno, Footballers' Wives) cannot conceive and turn to Greg for help in giving them the child they desperately want. Meanwhile, her former lover Angie (Eva Pope) - now a detective sergeant - appears on the scene seeking her help in a case involving auto-erotic asphyxiation.

"Strictly Confidential explores love and friendship, fun and fetish, and sex and death," said Mellor. "It takes a close look at both the complexity and comedy of human relationships and will not only leave the audience guessing, but may also encourage them to question their own lives."