David Jason returns as Granville in full BBC One series

David Jason is to return in a brand new six-part series of BBC One comedy, Still Open All Hours, following the success of the Christmas special.

The one-off special on Boxing Day – which saw David reprise his famous role of Granville, alongside his son Leroy played by James Baxter – was watched by a consolidated audience of 12.2 million (44%) making it the most-watched comedy since The Vicar Of Dibley in 2007 and the third highest in over a decade.

David 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.”

Mark Freeland, Controller of Fiction & Entertainment, said: “We were all delighted by the response that the Christmas Special received. It was so difficult to shut up shop after that. So we haven’t. Granville’s is well and truly open for business.”

Writer Roy Clarke said: “I’m delighted. It’s like going back home.”

The series will be produced by Gareth Edwards with Mark Freeland executive producing.

Still Open All Hours will be filmed in Doncaster and shown later this year.