On the day after Bafta triumph

The BBC has commissioned another series of Jo Brand’s NHS sitcom Going On – announcing the news the day after the show won her a Bafta for best comedy actress.

Earlier this month, Brand’s friend Alan Davies had claimed the BBC Four show had been canned, calling the decision ‘inexplicable’ in the light of BBC claims they wanted more ‘blue-collar comedy’.

However, it seems he was premature as the corporation today confirmed a third series of six half-hour episodes has been ordered.

Comedy commissioning controller Cheryl Taylor said: ‘We are thrilled that both the superb comedy performances and wonderful writing of Getting On have recently been recognised by both Bafta and the Royal Television Society. Fans will be delighted to hear that the show has been recommissioned for BBC Four.'

In the series, directed by The Thick Of It’s Peter Capaldi, Brand stars as a nurse in an old people's ward, alongside Joanna Scanlan and Vicki Pepperdine . It is not yet known when the new series will air.

Published: 23 May 2011