Molina stars opposite Dawn French

Alfred Molina previously starred in 1978 sitcom The Losers

Da Vinci Code actor Alfred Molina is to star opposite Dawn French in new BBC Two comedy series Roger and Val Have Just Got In, it has been announced.

Molina, 56, who also appeared in Spider-Man 2 and Boogie Nights, said he was enticed by a "great script" and "a brilliantly talented leading lady".

The six-part series will focus on the lives of a middle-aged couple after they arrive home each evening.

The sitcom, to be broadcast next year, is based on an original idea by French.

The Vicar of Dibley star said: "It's a measure of how unique, rich and funny the scripts are that Fred Molina said yes in a heartbeat."

Molina's TV credits include starring roles in 1978 ITV sitcom The Losers - alongside Rising Damp actor Leonard Rossiter - and Spain-based ITV series El C.I.D.