Victoria Wood returns in ITV drama

Multi-talented performer Victoria Wood will write and star in a new wartime drama, called Housewife, 49.

Based on the real diary of a Lancashire housewife, the show will follow the trials and tribulations of Nella Last, who struggles with a difficult marriage and feelings of uselessness as her sons leave home but finds an outlet and source of strength by starting a diary.

The actress revealed the origins of her interest in the project: "I was given Nella's diary many years ago, and had always thought it was a fantastic story - with a load of great parts for middle aged women!"

"This is not the war of the newsreels - it's about tiny domestic difficulties, chilly church halls, lumpy custard. And Nella is fighting her own war, one that she hopes will end in liberation," she added.