Sir David Jason is to revive his character Granville in a one-off return of classic sitcom Open All Hours.
He will be reunited with actress Lynda Baron, who played unlikely sex symbol nurse Gladys Emmanuel, in the half-hour Christmas special.
Sir David starred with the late comic Ronnie Barker - who played stammering Albert Arkwright - in the much-loved show which ran from 1973 to 1985 and was set in a corner shop.
Viewers will see Granville has taken over from his uncle Albert when Still Open All Hours is screened. It has been written by Roy Clarke, who penned the original series and is also known for his successes with Last Of The Summer Wine and Keeping Up Appearances.
Sir David, 73, said he was excited about his return to the show. "I am sure there is an audience out there who would like to see what Granville has been getting up to in the corner shop. It will be a great family show for Christmas and a fitting tribute to the legacy of Arkwright," he said.
Clarke said: "This has been fun - a great opportunity to work with David Jason again and to suggest how things at that corner shop might look today."
Maggie Ollerenshaw will reprise her role as Mavis, who she played in seven of the programme's 26 episodes.
In the original show, Sir David played the put-upon helper and delivery boy who was referred to as the "young lad", despite first playing the role when he was 30. Viewers saw irascible Arkwright forever trying to woo nurse Gladys whenever she popped into the shop.
Mark Freeland, the BBC's controller of UK comedy production, said: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome back to BBC comedy the magic pairing of David Jason and Roy Clarke.
"Having the chance to see Arkwright's beloved shop again, now run by Granville, I hope will bring broad grins to lots and lots of faces at Christmas."
BBC1 controller Charlotte Moore said: "BBC1's Christmas schedule suddenly feels complete with the addition of this classic British comedy."
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