Australia is officially getting its own version of TV show The Office with the first female lead announced by Prime Video.
Comedian Felicity Ward will star as Hannah Howard in the new comedy series to launch in 2024.
She follows in the footsteps of Ricky Gervais as David Brent and Steve Carell as Michael Scott in the global franchise.
Ricky Gervais said he was excited about Australia remaking his "little show from the turn of the century".
"Office politics have changed a bit in 20 years, so can't wait to see how they navigate a modern-day David Brent," he said.
IN OTHER NEWS:
In The Office Australia the show will centre on packaging company Flinley Craddick where Hannah Howard is managing director.
Production on the eight-part Australian Amazon Original series will commence in Sydney in June.
While known for her stand-up comedy Ms Ward has appeared on Australian TV screens before including Thank God You're Here and Spicks and Specks, as well as 2021 mini-series Wakefield.
Other cast members confirmed for the show include Edith Poor, Steen Raskopoulos, Shari Sebbens, Josh Thomson, Jonny Brugh, Pallavi Sharda, Susan Ling Young, Raj Labade, Lucy Schmit and Firass Dirani.
The show is co-produced by BBC Studios ANZ, Bunya Entertainment and Amazon Studios.
"It is an honour to continue the international comedy legacy of The Office locally while introducing new, quintessentially Australian characters," Prime Video Australia senior development executive Sarah Christie said.
"We can't wait for audiences to meet Hannah Howard, the first female boss The Office format has explored."
Anna McGuinness
Weekdays
The Echidna
Sharp. Close to the ground. Digging deep. Your weekday morning newsletter on national affairs, politics and more.
