BBC orders a new series

The BBC has commissioned a full run of Still Open All Hours following the success of the Christmas special.

Another six half-hour episodes have been ordered after the Boxing Day revival – in which David Jason’s character Granville had taken over running of the corner shop – attracted 9.4 million viewers on the day, and 12.2million consolodated. That made it the most-watched comedy on British TV since The Vicar Of Dibley in 2007, although it received a tepid reaction from critics.

Sir David – whose last comedy The Royal Bodyguard flopped – reportedly wanted to see how the revival went down before committing to a full series.

He said: 'I am so delighted that we are doing a series of Still Open All Hours as the feedback from our Christmas Special has been so rewarding and encouraging.

'We want to have more fun giving the audience the kind of show they seemed to appreciate. It goes to prove that the corner shop is still open all hours.'

However James Baxter, who played Granville’s assistant and son Leroy, has not yet been confirmed for the series, his agents say.

Industry website Broadcast Now says that a priority for writer Roy Clarke, 84, is to introduce a love interest for Granville.

BBC comedy controller Shane Allen said: ‘Roy has done a terrific job of updating the characters while keeping what was warmhearted and enjoyable about the original series.’

The show will be made by the BBC’s in-house comedy department, with Gareth Edwards producing.

Story updated 11.35am Jan 30: Baxter's agents said he ISN'T confirmed for the series, despite what they told us yesterday.

Published: 30 Jan 2014