In a move that will delight fans of classic British sitcoms, national treasure Sir David Jason is set to make a triumphant return to his iconic role. The beloved actor, 84, will reprise his character Granville in a brand new, one-off special of Open All Hours.
The special episode will see Granville, now the established shopkeeper, navigating life with his own son, played by the brilliant James Buckley. This marks a heartfelt and hilarious passing of the torch for a new generation of viewers.
A Beloved Legacy Returns
The news comes as a wonderful surprise after the sequel series, Still Open All Hours, in which Sir David starred for six seasons, was controversially axed by the BBC in 2020. Fans were left mourning the loss of the show, making this announced special a truly unexpected and welcome gift.
Filming for the new episode is scheduled to commence later this year, promising the same gentle humour and northern charm that made the original series with Ronnie Barker a national institution.
Overcoming Past Grief
Sir David has spoken candidly about the profound grief he felt after the death of his co-star and close friend, Ronnie Barker, who played the infamous stutterer Arkwright. He admitted to seeing Barker in his dreams and feeling his presence on set during the filming of the sequel.
This deep connection to the show and its history makes his decision to return all the more significant, ensuring the special will be made with genuine love and respect for the original material.
For devotees of British television comedy, this announcement is monumental. The return of Sir David Jason as the hapless but loveable Granville is a chance to relive the magic and introduce a timeless character to a whole new audience.
