Jodie Whittaker joins Ellen Pompeo in Hulu dramedy 'Chicks'

Jodie Whittaker has landed a leading role opposite Ellen Pompeo in Hulu’s upcoming comedy-drama Chicks, adding another major television project to her growing slate.

The former Doctor Who star has been cast as Doreen, the estranged younger half-sister of Pompeo’s character, Chickie, in the pilot created by Good American Family writer Katie Robbins.

According to the official premise, the story follows the sisters after the unexpected death of their father, whose legacy of small-time crime pulls them into a string of increasingly outrageous fraud schemes.

As they navigate the chaos, the unlikely partnership forces the estranged siblings to reconnect.

Doreen is described as a tough and resourceful woman who has worked countless jobs — including several questionable side hustles.

Despite her rough exterior, the character is said to have a softer side and longs for acceptance from her older half-sister.

The project was developed from an original idea Robbins conceived with Pompeo in mind after the pair worked together on Good American Family.

Production is expected to begin in New York this September.

Whittaker’s casting comes during a busy period for the actress. She is also set to appear in the upcoming sixth season of Only Murders in the Building, which will shift part of the story to London.

The new season features returning stars Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez, alongside a high-profile lineup of guest stars.

Whittaker will reunite with fellow Doctor Who alumnus David Tennant, while newcomers include Nicola Coughlan, Richard Ayoade, Jim Broadbent, Adrian Lukis and Kathryn Hunter.

Additional cast members announced for the season include Geri Halliwell-Horner, Jennifer Saunders, Martin Freeman, Sharon Horgan, Simone Ashley, Derek Jacobi, Jane Horrocks and several other British stars, making it one of the series' most star-studded ensembles to date.