BBC denies David Jason sitcom has been axed

The BBC has denied reports that Still Open All Hours has been cancelled.

Press reports today say that the David Jason sitcom has been axed after seven years.

But a Corporation spokesman told Chortle: ‘There is no truth in this and discussions on future episodes are ongoing.’

More episodes had reportedly been planned, but the pandemic has made filming difficult, especially given that Sir David is 80.

The BBC added: ‘The safety and wellbeing of all those involved in Still Open All Hours is our number one priority, and we have been unable to film this year due to Covid-19.’

Responding to the reports of the show's demise, Sir David said: 'I’s a shame. There was an audience who loved it and we enjoyed bringing the madness of the characters to the screen.'

A sequel to the 1970s and 1980s Ronnie Barker, comedy, the show about an independent corner shop attracted more than 12 million viewers when it first returned in 2014.

Co-stars include Lynda Baron, Stephanie Cole, Maggie Ollerenshaw and Johnny Vegas.

Published: 20 Sep 2020