A SITCOM about the trials and traumas of modern parenting is to return as a six-part series. 

Motherland - featuring Farnworth comedian Diane Morgan - was screened last month on BBC Two as a pilot episode. 

The one-off was watched by 2 million viewers and received critical acclaim.

The comedy looks at the competitive and unromantic sides of parenting - not the cute and acceptable public face of motherhood.

Writer Graham Linehan said: "I'm delighted to be working with such a gifted team.

"This is a world that seems to be brimming with comic possibilities and yet somehow under-explored and I can't think of better people, behind the cameras and in front of them, to be doing it with."​

Writer ​Sharon Horgan said: “I am thrilled and relieved to have finally found a good use for my 13 years of mothering. Apologies in advance to the brave women and men of the school run."

Appearing alongside Diane - who plays comic character Philomena Cunk in Charlie Brooker's Weekly Wipe - will be Anna Maxwell Martin, Lucy Punch and Paul Ready.

Patrick Holland, Channel Editor BBC Two, said: “How wonderful that Motherland is coming to BBC Two as a series.

"The pilot found a unique, confident voice that made for truly memorable comedy.

"It is savagely accurate writing, brilliantly brought to life by Anna Maxwell Martin, Diane Morgan, Lucy Punch and Paul Ready. I can't wait!”