BBC Three orders another series of Josh
- Josh will return to BBC3 in 2016 for 6 more episodes
- Josh Widdicombe, Elis James, Beattie Edmondson and Jack Dee will all reprise their roles
- Widdicombe says making the show is the best job he's ever had
BBC Three has ordered another series of Josh, the sitcom about three flatmates centred around stand-up star Josh Widdicombe.
The BBC confirmed tonight: "Josh, the sitcom written by Josh Widdicombe and Tom Craine, has been re-commissioned for a second series after a successful first series on BBC Three."
Elis James and Beattie Edmondson are set to reprise their roles as Josh's flatmates Owen and Kate for six more episodes in 2016, with Jack Dee signing up to play their odd landlord Geoff again.
Talking about the news, Josh Widdicombe says: "Writing and making Josh was the best job I have ever had so I am absolutely delighted that the BBC have given us the chance to make six more episodes. I look forward to subjecting the characters of Josh, Kate, Owen and Geoff to further misfortune and adding more fuel to the social media love in about Elis James's legs."
The new series, which will be filmed and broadcast in 2016, will make its debut on BBC iPlayer first, as BBC Three is to shut down in February, becoming an iPlayer sub-brand.
However, like all major BBC Three commissions, it will later be repeated in a late-night slot on either BBC One or BBC Two.
BBC Three's Damian Kavanagh says: "We love Josh and it's a hit with audiences which is why it's coming back to BBC Three. Who doesn't want more Geoff in their life?"
Myfanwy Moore from BBC Comedy adds: "We're thrilled that Josh and friends are joining us on the sofa for another series! Pool party anyone?"
Speaking in a BCG interview ahead of the first series, Josh Widdicombe explained that it was a struggle to find time to write the scripts for the initial run.
He said: "It was insane. There were days when we were filming The Last Leg where we'd do a day on that and then me and Tom Craine, who I wrote it with, would stay in The Last Leg office and work on the sitcom 6pm to midnight."
The comedy star looks set to continue to be busy next year too. As well as his live stand-up dates and writing Josh, he will be filming more episodes of The Last Leg and acting as a team captain on new BBC panel show Insert Name Here.