The hit David Jason sitcom could still return for another series.
The BBC has denied reports that long-running sitcom Still Open All Hours has been cancelled.
The series acts as a follow-up to the hit Ronnie Barker sitcom of the '70s and '80s, with David Jason returning to the role of Granville, after he inherits his uncle's old corner shop.
Launched in 2013, the series has been a strong part of the BBC's comedy lineup for the past seven years and future episodes were said to be in the works.
However, as the coronavirus pandemic has played havoc with the television industry, rumours emerged from Daily Star on Sunday that these plans had been scrapped.
David Jason said: "It’s a shame. There was an audience who loved it and we enjoyed bringing the madness of the characters to the screen."
Yet the BBC has since denied these reports and claims that the fate of the sitcom is still very much to be decided, but production has been complicated by coronavirus, as is the case industry-wide.
A BBC spokesperson told RadioTimes.com: "‘There is no truth in this and discussions on future episodes are ongoing.
"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."
Jason has revealed that the writers planned to make one last miniseries of Still Open All Hours, designed to bring "all the stories" to a natural conclusion.
While the future of Still Open All Hours is yet to be decided, several American broadcasters have recently made the unusual decision to reverse season renewals on a handful of shows.
Netflix's The Society and I Am Not Okay With This are two series to be affected, as well as ABC's Stumptown, which aired in the UK on Alibi.
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David Craig is the Senior Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest and greatest scripted drama and comedy across television and streaming. Previously, he worked at Starburst Magazine, presented The Winter King Podcast for ITVX and studied Journalism at the University of Sheffield.
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