Filming has started on the new series of Still Open All Hours, BBC One’s follow-up to the classic Ronnie Barker sitcom.
The show, which sees Sir David Jason reprise his role as Granville, was commissioned following the success of a ‘one-off’ special which aired on Boxing Day.
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.
Jason is joined by James Baxter as Granville’s son Leroy and original series stars Lynda Baron, Stephanie Cole and Maggie Ollerenshaw.
Characters returning from the special include the pessimistic Eric played by Johnny Vegas, Mrs Hussein played by Nina Wadia and Cyril played by Kulvinder Ghir.
They’re joined by new character Gastric (Tim Healy), a man whose stomach has a mind of its own. As his wife has left him, love sick Gastric turns to Granville who sees himself as his romantic adviser.
The series is written by Roy Clarke and will screen on BBC One.