Still Open All Hours Series 5 confirmed
- Still Open All Hours is coming back for a new, fifth series
- It will see the show surpass its much-loved predecessor in number of series and episodes produced
- The six new episodes will be filmed this summer, for broadcast on BBC One later in 2018
Still Open All Hours will return for a fifth series later in 2018, starring Sir David Jason.
The BBC confirmed to BCG today: "BBC One viewers will be treated this year to a fifth series of the hugely popular Still Open All Hours, featuring the nation's most loved convenience store Arkwright's."
Written by Roy Clarke, the show continues the legacy of his hit 1970s-80s comedy Open All Hours, which starred Ronnie Barker as Albert Arkwright, the penny-pinching proprietor of a small, independent grocers', and Jason as his nephew, Granville.
The present sequel series sees Granville continuing to run the shop after his uncle's death, having taken on many of Albert's scheming ways, and now assisted by his own son, Leroy.
The new format has proven a huge hit with audiences since it began in 2013, averaging nearly 6 million viewers per episode. Its recommission means that the sequel has now accumulated more episodes, and more series, than the original hit show, which was voted Britain's 8th most-loved TV sitcom of all time in a major 2004 poll.
Sir David Jason will reprise his role as Granville for the six new episodes, and will again be joined by series regulars James Baxter, Stephanie Cole, Maggie Ollerenshaw, Brigit Forsyth, Tim Healy, Johnny Vegas, Kulvinder Ghir, Sally Lindsay, Geoffrey Whitehead and Katie Redford.
Lynda Baron is not expected to return as the buxom Nurse Gladys for this run, however British Comedy Guide understands Series 5 will see the introduction of a new recurring guest character played by Sue Holderness, best known as Marlene in Only Fools And Horses.
Speaking about returning to the comedy, Sir David says: "I'm thrilled to be bringing Granville and Arkwright's shop back to viewers' TV screens along with his regular customers who bring their own sense of barminess to the world of grocery."
Location filming in Darlington, and studio recording, will take place over the summer. Screenings will then be organised to record the laughter track, with the new episodes then broadcast on television later in the year.
The new run of episodes will open with Granville trying to offload a large quantity of bargain spectacles, while Mr Newbold finally decides to tell Mrs Featherstone how he really feels about their relationship.
BBC Commissioning Editor Gregor Sharp says: "We're delighted to see Granville flip over the sign on Arkwright's and open up for another series of Still Open All Hours - it's enduring popularity is a testament to the brilliance of Roy Clarke's scripts and the impeccable performances of a cast of comic legends at the height of their powers."