Aherne to star in Coogan, Cash comedy

Caroline Aherne will star in Steve Coogan and Craig Cash's new comedy Sunshine.

The 44-year-old actress, who last appeared on TV screens in 2006, will play the role of a barmaid, according to The Sun.

A source said: "It’s a fantastic coup for the team behind Sunshine to have signed up Caroline for a role in the series.

"She’s pulled a few pints in her time but it’s her audience pulling power that has landed her the part.

"She is Sunshine’s answer to Rovers Return legend Bet Lynch, but without the leopard skin and beehive hairdo."

Aherne has reportedly agreed to take the part on "mate's rates" to help her Royle Family co-star Cash launch his TV company Jellylegs.

Sunshine is set in Liverpool during the Thatcher years and has been described as "a heart-warming story about how when you reach rock bottom the only thing that matters are the people you love".