Still Open All Hours gets a second series
Still Open All Hours is to return for a second series on BBC One.
The new series will begin filming on location shortly, with the six-part series due to premiere at Christmas.
The BBC confirms: "Arkwright's will open its doors once again as the BBC One comedy Still Open All Hours returns for a new series, starting with a Christmas special, as filming begins on location in Doncaster this week."
The hit studio audience sitcom is a revival of the much-loved 1973 - 1985 comedy Open All Hours, starring Ronnie Barker and David Jason, as northern corner shop proprietor Albert Arkwright and his illegitimate nephew, Granville.
Still Open All Hours sees Jason reprise his role as the now greyed and balding Granville Arkwright, assisted by his own illegitimate son, Leroy (pictured).
The series also reunites Lynda Baron (Nurse Gladys Emmanuel), Maggie Ollerenshaw (Mavis) and Stephanie Cole, who plays local 'Black Widow' Mrs Featherstone.
Initially a one-off special, Still Open All Hours debuted on Boxing Day 2013, when it was watched by well over 12 million people - around 50% of the entire television audience. Following its success, a full series went into production in Autumn 2014, being broadcast from Boxing Day 2014 to 25th January 2015, filling a prime-time Sunday evening slot.
The six-part series was equally popular, increasing its audience week-on-week and averaging a viewership of 6.6 million on television, in initial overnight estimates alone.
The new run will begin with a festive episode where Granville bags himself a bargain Christmas tree that gives him more problems than he wanted. Eric (Johnny Vegas) and Cyril (Kulvinder Ghir) embark on a new fitness regime and as the holidays approach Granville and Leroy try to entice Madge (Brigit Forsyth) to their festive party.
Also confirmed as returning to the new series is Tim Healy as love-struck Gastric and Nina Wadia as town gossip Mrs Hussein.
Executive Producer Gareth Edwards says: "It's wonderful to be returning with our fantastic cast to Granville's daft, warm and life-affirming world, full of the kind of characters and situations that could only come from the remarkable mind of Roy Clarke."