Benidorm is to return for a fourth series next year – including a possible live episode – show creator Derren Litten has confirmed.

The writer also said that a one- one-off special will air on ITV this year, before next year’s run.

Writing on his Twitter page, Litten revealed: ‘I'm writing a one off special for 2010 and a 4th series for 2011. Also planning a LIVE show for 2011!’

The show, starring Johnny Vegas and Steve Pemberton, started in 2007 and recently switched to an hour-long format. A live episode would follow in the footsteps of EastEnders – and countless other shows – which last month attracted an audience of 16.6million for its live episode unmasking Stacey Slater as the killer of Archie Mitchell.