BBC One orders 3rd series of Count Arthur Strong
BBC One has announced the commission of a third series of Count Arthur Strong.
Seven new episodes are due to be made next year, once again written by Graham Linehan and creator and central star Steve Delaney.
The sitcom follows Count Arthur Strong, a one-time variety star who has tourettic tics, false starts and nervous fumbling, "all badly covered up by a delicate sheen of bravado and self-assurance".
The character first appeared on the BBC in 2005 in the Radio 4 sitcom Count Arthur Strong's Radio Show!. The show was picked up by BBC Two in 2013, before switching to BBC One last year.
In the new series Arthur still pursues his dreams of stardom no matter how much chaos he causes along the way, with Michael (played by Rory Kinnear) doing his best to limit the damage to the world around them and his own sanity.
Steve Delaney says: "I'm thrilled, delighted and humbled that BBC One have requested another series of Count Arthur Strong. Where do I sign? Quick, before they change their minds!"
Graham Linehan comments: "Very happy to hear that Arthur, Michael and the gang will have more adventures. And we've got some crackers lined up for this series..."
The BBC's Shane Allen adds: "How could we resist bringing back this character-comedy masterclass which blends the joyfully daft with skilfully inventive plotting? Series 2 really hit its stride and the move to BBC One has brought the audience response we were hoping for. It's a privilege to be working with these writing and performing talents at the top of their game."
Jon Rolph from production company Retort adds: "It's a joy and a privilege to be irresistibly drawn into Arthur's world, and we're delighted that the BBC One audience think so too."
Executive Producer Richard Daws from co-producers Komedia concludes: "It appears Count Arthur is edging ever closer to becoming the national treasure he has always imagined he was."
The seven new episodes will be filmed in front of studio audiences in 2016.