The BBC has confirmed that Ann Droid will return for a second series, and star Sue Johnston says she is "unbelievably happy" about the news.
The first series of the programme, which launched on the BBC earlier this summer, has been a hit with fans. It follows an elderly woman named Sue who enlists the help of a robot carer, Linda, played by comedian Diane Morgan.
Unlikely friendship explored
The show centres on the unlikely friendship between Sue and Linda, and draws upon the rise of AI across society, asking the question: "What is replaceable and what is not?"
Linda was brought into Sue's life after the death of her husband David, when her son Michael (played by Motherland's Paul Ready) moved out to attempt to fix his marriage. While Sue initially wanted to live independently and Linda was her worst nightmare, the pair became friends and had an emotional reunion at the end of the series.
Although the show is a comedy, it also explores deeper themes of loneliness and grief, alongside the hilarious script.
Cast and fans react
Speaking of the show's return, Sue Johnston said: "I am so unbelievably happy that we are to do another series! Great script, great cast, great crew. The reaction from the public has been wonderful."
She added: "Even my doctor called me Sue, Sue, Sue this morning! Everyone has been asking if there will be more and now we can tell them! Yipee."
Fans rushed to the comments with excitement, as millions tuned in to binge-watch the series earlier this year. One follower called Angela said: "Love this show Sue Sue Sue" with a heart eyes emoji. Another user said: "Great news. Didn't expect my husband to enjoy it, but we binge watched the whole lot!! Fab cast, filming and script."
A third said: "That's great to hear. I've watched the series twice so far. Probably will watch a few more times" while a fourth added: "I have watched your shows since Brookside and you never disappoint."
Why Sue joined the show
Earlier this year, Sue spoke about her reasons for joining the cast of Ann Droid. She said: "I wanted to be part of it because Diane wrote it and I'm such a fan and a friend of hers, so when she sent me the script, it was just joyful and I thought 'yes, thank you very much, I'll have that!'"
"There's also a lot of love in it, there's such a warmth and friendship about it all, and that comes from Diane's writing, which says a lot about how she is as a human being. It's a very special script."
Sue has enjoyed a spectacular career, best known for portraying Sheila Grant in the iconic Liverpool soap Brookside as well as her role as Barbara Royle opposite her on-screen husband Ricky Tomlinson in The Royle Family.
