Sue Johnston Stars in New Comedy About Robot Companion

Actress Sue Johnston is starring in "Ann Droid," a new sitcom created by Diane Morgan and Sarah Kendall. The show features the 82-year-old Johnston as a recent widow whose son hires a humanoid robot named Linda to assist her. Linda, played by Morgan, is an older, less intelligent model that struggles with tasks and attempts to cheer people up by playing "Cotton Eye Joe." Despite the robot's limitations, Johnston's character and Linda develop a close bond.

Johnston expressed pride in the show, describing it as "rich with humour and love." She noted that she rarely enjoys watching herself on screen but found "Ann Droid" so absorbing that she forgot she was in it. The actress also spoke about her admiration for co-creator Diane Morgan, whom she met on the set of the Sky sitcom "Rovers." Johnston sees similarities between Morgan and the late Caroline Aherne, citing their shared "northern, straight-face, cut-through humour" and calling them "geniuses."

"Ann Droid" is described as both "rambunctiously funny and exceptionally poignant." Johnston's enthusiasm for the project appears to stem from her personal connection with Morgan and her desire to see Morgan succeed. The two women bonded over their shared love for dogs and a general sense of silliness, forming a connection that Johnston values. The sitcom explores the evolving relationship between an elderly woman and her cybernetic companion, blending comedic situations with emotional depth.