The special drew an average audience of 9.4 million and a consolidated audience – which includes those who recorded and watched later – of 12.2 million.
Original series stars Sir David Jason, Lynda Baron and Stephanie Cole appeared alongside Maggie Ollerenshaw, who played Mavis for seven episodes of the original run, James Baxter in the new role of Granville’s son Leroy.
Written by series creator Roy Clarke, the six half-hour episodes will be shot in Doncaster and shown later this year.
Jason 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.”
Shane Allen, Controller of BBC Comedy Commissioning, said: “The resounding success of the Christmas revival showed the huge and enduring audience affection for this much-loved classic.
“Roy has done a terrific job of updating the characters whilst keeping what was warm-hearted and enjoyable about the world of the original series.”
