ITV orders a third series of Benidorm

Peter Fincham, the new ITV director of television, has ordered a third series of Derren Litten's holiday-based sitcom Benidorm.

In total there will be nine new episodes in 2009, the first of which will be a one-off special. This special will pick up where the second series left off, with several characters in prison, hospital and disappearing out to sea on a parasail. The third series will then follow – reuniting the stars a year on.

Fincham told the press: "After a Bafta nomination for the first series and ratings success for the second, ITV is delighted to announce that our favourite holidaymakers will be returning in 2009 with a one-hour special and eight new episodes. Benidorm has a fantastic mix of warmth, charm, and fun. I am delighted to have this popular series returning to the channel next year."

Paul Jackson, ITV's director of comedy, added: "Gaining a Bafta nomination for best sitcom was a fantastic moment and with such impressive ratings ITV is very pleased to commission more. Benidorm has performed brilliantly on the channel and online. The series clearly has a great fan base."

Benidorm is an ensemble sitcom which focuses on the adventures of a group of British holiday makers staying at The Solana holiday resort in Spain. It is believed that the cast, which includes Steve Pemberton, Siobhan Finneran, Nicholas Burns, Abigail Cruttenden, Janine Duvitski and Johnny Vegas, are all expected to return.

The sitcom received a lukewarm reception from fans and critics when it debuted in 2007. However, ITV demonstrated its faith in the show by commissioning a second series anyway. It turned out to be a wise decision by the network as the show gained a Bafta nomination and has since built up a strong fan base. The latest series, which premiered in March this year, attracted an impressive 6.5 million viewers; it was also one of the most downloaded shows on itv.com.

An extensive guide to Benidorm can be found on our new site www.comedy.org.uk