Citizen Khan Series 5
Adil Ray, the creator and star of Citizen Khan, has dropped some hints about the new series of the sitcom.
The comedian was talking at Birmingham City University, where he was award Honorary Doctorate.
He warned fans to prepare for a funeral in the upcoming fifth series, which returns to BBC One later this year. He said: "There's a funeral this series. I have to say if you're a fan of Citizen Khan, someone will be leaving us." However, he added: "It won't be one of the main characters, so don't be worried too much."
He also said: "We'll be exploring more of the world of Alia, the younger daughter, including her boyfriends. And we might have a couple of guest stars this series that, without giving too much away, we hope people will enjoy."
The star, who plays Mr Khan in the sitcom, revealed the news in Birmingham yesterday (Monday 25th July), as he received an Honorary Doctorate alongside graduating student. This is not his first award of the year, earlier in 2016 he was appointed an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for his services to broadcasting.
The Birmingham-born comedian said of Birmingham City University: "Standing here at the International Conference Centre reminds me that I've been here so many times for different events, from concerts at Symphony Hall to weddings, and I never thought in a million years I'd be coming here to receive an honorary doctorate.
"Looking around also makes me really proud of Birmingham. There are two graduation ceremonies here today and it is great to see such diversity, which I think is something you take for granted if you're a Brummie."
Birmingham as a City will feature prominently in the new series of Citizen Khan. The star revealed: "For this series we're particularly excited, as we're coming back to film in Birmingham. We'll be filming even more scenes on the streets of Birmingham. There's also Mr Khan and his fascination with cricket. There's a great episode where he goes down to Edgbaston Cricket Ground."
Series 5 of the family-orientated sitcom will see the Khan household in a state of flux. Amjad is finally a proper policeman as he and Shazia are about to become parents for the second time. Meanwhile Alia is thinking of leaving home, either by going to college or finally achieving her dream of Instagram superstardom.
Also Mrs Khan is facing up to the prospect of an empty nest and wondering if she and her husband will have anything in common anymore. Meanwhile, Mr Khan himself is blissfully unaware of any clouds on the horizon as he is far too busy being an "entrepreneur, community leader and surely soon the next president of the Sparkhill Pakistani Business Association."
The audience for Citizen Khan has grown to the extent some episodes now get more than 5 million viewers. Speaking at the time of the recommission, Adil Ray said: "I'm so grateful to the British television public who really have taken the Khans to their hearts. You don't get to a fifth series without their love and support and of course the brilliant cast, co-writers and production team. My mum's so pleased she's bringing out the Royal Albert dinner set this weekend."
Series 5 of Citizen Khan will be on BBC One later this year.