Jason Bateman confirms fifth series

Arrested Development is set to return for a fifth series.

Star Jason Bateman has tweeted that he has ‘officially signed’ for a comeback of the comedy, which was picked up by Netflix after being dropped by Fox.

The streaming giant aired the fourth season in 2013, in a format which often kept the lead characters apart since because of problems with the cast’s availability.

Bateman tweeted on Friday: ‘Look very probable I’m going to put some miles on the Stair Car this summer. Just officially signed on to more ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT today.’

He plays pivotal character Michael Bluth in the series, struggling to hold his dysfunctional, wealthy family together.

Executive producer Brian Grazer said two years ago that he was working on 17 new episodes, while last summer,  creator Mitch Hurwitz said the show's fifth season was on track.  Netflix boss Ted Sarandos has often spoken of his desire for the show to come back, too

The core cast also included Portia de Rossi, Will Arnett, Michael Cera, Alia Shawkat, Tony Hale, David Cross, Jeffrey Tambor and Jessica Walter.

Last year, Tambor told trade paper Variety: ‘We’re always coming back.’

Published: 14 May 2017