Parminder Nagra leads the cast of new ITV drama 'Maternal'.

The 'DI Ray' star will appear alongside The Split's Lara Pulver and 'King Gary' actress Lisa McGrillis in the six-part medical drama series.

It will tell the story of three female doctors returning to post-pandemic frontline medicine after maternity leave and having to heroically balance the intense demands of the NHS and motherhood.

Polly Hill, ITV's Head of Drama, has commissioned the programme, which has been penned by playwright and theatre director Jacqui Honess-Martin.

She said: "Jacqui's scripts are brilliant, and they perfectly capture how difficult it can be for women juggling family life, whilst under pressure at work, making critical life or death decisions.

"It's hard to believe this is her first television drama.

"I'm thrilled Parminder, Lara and Lisa will lead our cast and to be working with Patrick Spence and James Griffiths on what promises to be a modern and engaging medical drama."

Jacqui added: "I am thrilled to bring this funny, warm and quietly political story to ITV.

"It's been humbling to have the opportunity to hear the stories of so many brave and brilliant female doctors working in the NHS over the past two years and I know the incredible team working on this show will do them proud."

BAFTA nominated director James Griffiths will helm the drama series.

He said: "The best material attracts the best talent so I feel so grateful that I get to collaborate with this incredible cast and crew to bring this authentic and relevant story to the screen."

'Maternal' is currently filming and will air on ITV in 2023.