Brenda Blethyn, Oscar-nominated for her work in "Little Voice" and "Secrets And Lies," has signed on to make a pilot for a CBS sitcom.

Variety reports that Blethyn has teamed up with former "Frasier" executive producers Christopher Lloyd and Joe Kennan to create "The Seven Roses," in which she'll play a recently widowed mom with an eccentric family.

"She's always been our first choice," Lloyd told Variety.

"When we wrote this on spec, we started conjuring up her image and voice. She's someone who immediately came to mind. We talked to her about the idea, and she loved it."

The series will defy the conventions of TV moms, Lloyd told Variety.

"With TV characters of that age -- older women -- you get a type there: They tend to be doddy-older. We wanted someone with a lot of energy, who can play off dating stories and sexuality. The part calls for someone very grand but also very real. She's the mom, the touchstone in this eccentric family. There are not too many people who can give you that dimension."


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