Inbetweeners stars start work on new comedy

'Inbetweeners' stars Joe Thomas and Simon Bird have started work on a new comedy.

The actors - who play Simon Cooper and Will McKenzie in the Channel 4 series - will begin shooting a pilot for 'Chickens In May', which follows a group of outcasts left behind during World War I, later this year when they have completed the movie adaptation of 'The Inbetweeners'.

Joe explained: "We've had it written for ages. It's pretty different to 'The Inbetweeners' - it's a historical comedy set in the First World War. It's about the outcast men left behind.

"We've written it and we're going to star in it. There's a 'Dad's Army' and 'Blackadder' influence, though it's also along the lines of 'Peep Show'."

Meanwhile, their pair's co-star James Buckley - who plays unlucky in love teen Jay Cartwright - has been focusing on his fledging music career.

The actor has already recorded some tracks with Ocean Colour Scene frontman Steve Craddock while on holiday with his girlfriend.

He added to The Sun newspaper: "It was great. Me and the missus were in Devon with no phone reception. We spent a week relaxing and recording with Steve."