'A firm audience favourite'

BBC One has commissioned a fifth series of Citizen Khan.

The new series will see creator Adil Ray return to the title role alongside Shobu Kapoor, who plays Mrs Khan; Krupa Pattani and Bhavna Limbachia, who play daughters Shazia and Alia; and Abdullah Afzal, who plays Shazia’s husband, Amjad.

Ray said: ‘I’m so grateful to the British television public who really have taken The Khans to their hearts. You don't get to a fifth series without their love and support and, of course, the brilliant cast, co-writers and production team. My mum's so pleased she's bringing out the Royal Albert dinner set this weekend.’

The BBC’s controller of comedy commissioning, Shane Allen, added: ‘It’s a testament to Adil’s wonderful creation and the writing team that there’s lots more comedy chaos and adventures ahead. It’s grown to become a firm BBC One audience favourite in a mainstream family-friendly slot."

Set in Birmingham’s Sparkhill area, Citizen Khan is produced by the BBC’s  in-house comedy department and written by Anil Gupta and Richard Pinto with Ray.

Although not always a hit with critics – with one saying it was ‘stuck in a 1970s time warp’ –episodes attract audiences of up to 3 million viewers on their first screenings. The series has also won four awards from the Royal Television Society, including best performance in a comedy for Ray in both 2013 and 2014.

And last month, Ray announced three arena dates for his character, playing Wembley SSE Arena, Birmingham's Genting Arena in the NEC and the Manchester Arena. (<a href="https://www.chortle.co.uk/shows/tour/c/24997/citizen_khan%3A_they_all_know_me%21">Dates</a>)

Published: 19 Jan 2016