The two will play the titular Alice and Jack, who fall desperately in love when they first meet. But, true to life, that love leads them down an unpredictable path and throws up all of happiness, togetherness and emotional complexities.

Christian Vesper, CEO of Global Drama, Fremantle, describes the drama as "smart and sophisticated", and one that "pitch[es] love and comedy in flawless combination."

Aisling Bea (This Way Up), Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education) and Sunil Patel (This Time with Alan Partridge) will also feature in supporting roles.

Finnish film director and screenwriter Juho Kuosmanen, who co-wrote and directed the 2021 Cannes Grand Prix co-winner Compartment 6, is the lead director. Hong Khaou (Lilting) will direct the second block.

Gleeson says the story suits his current taste: “The only work I’ve wanted to watch and do since the pandemic is work about connection and love, and work with a sense of humour.

"Alice and Jack keep coming back to each other because they can’t help themselves - they find in each other something that they don’t have on their own. Their story centres on connection and love in the most beautiful way and reminds us that we are always allowed to smile - even if it’s through the tears.”

Riseborough adds: “This story is for anyone who could or couldn’t make the sacrifice that love demanded, for anyone who battles and accepts the one who makes their soul soar, for anyone who longs to feel, who has felt, and who feels the tingling anticipation of love’s joy.”

No air date has yet been confirmed, but filming took place in London in the summer of 2022, so it should be announced in due course.