British acting legend Sir David Jason will reprise his role as beloved sitcom character Granville one last time.
The 85-year-old screenstar has played the errand boy turned shopkeeper in the BBC’s Open All Hours since 1976, when the show first hit screens with four seasons (26 episodes) with Ronnie Barker playing the shopkeeper Arkwright.
The hit series returned in 2014, this time with Granville at the helm of the local grocer’s store, with a total of six seasons until it came to an end in 2019.
Now, six years on, the show is set to make one last return in a TV special on U&GOLD where we’ll see Granville closing the shop for the night while offering a touching glimpse into how his life has moved on since we last checked in, per The Mirror.
The 90-minute retrospective documentary, Open All Hours: Inside Out, will include this scene from the original writer, Roy Clarke, who is now 95 years old.
The Only Fools and Horses star said: ‘It’s so good to be back! I played Granville for over half my life, and so this show holds a very special place in my heart.
‘There are countless memories and stories about this show, and I am thrilled to be able to share those with everyone.’
The show was meant to return for a seventh season but it got delayed dur to the Covid-19 pandemic and ultimately got cancelled, so hopefully this will serve as closure for disappointed fans hoping to see more hijinks with Granville.
Discussing the potential for the final series to return in 2024, he spoke about the enthusiasm of the cast and crew.
While promoting his autobiography, This Time Next Year, he said: ‘Everybody that was in the original in the series was up for doing the last series because everybody thought it would be nice to the sew up the parcel, the one that Granville gets married to Wavy Mavy (Mavis), which we haven’t done, but that is what it’s about.
‘Finally, he makes an honest woman of her.’
As next year marks 50 years since the enduring comedy has been on screens, Sir David, who is the only actor to star in every single episode of the original show and the reboot, will lift the lid on all the behind-the-scenes moments of the series.
He’ll be joined by plenty of others also sharing exclusive tidbits about the half-century-long journey.
Senior commissioning editor, Mark Iddon, called the show ‘one of those rare beasts that even after 50 years is still as timeless and relevant as ever.’
Director of Programming Gerald Casey, added: ‘We are thrilled to be able to give viewers more of what they love with Sir David Jason lifting the lid on some of his fondest memories on set alongside fellow cast members.’
In November, the once-prolific actor revealed he was trying to seek more work.
‘I’m trying desperately to convince producers and directors that I’ve got many characters still left to play. Senior actors have got a tremendous amount to offer,’ he told Radio Times.
Open All Hours: Inside Out will air in 2026.
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