ALMOST £10 million of tickets for the stage revival of Still Game are to be sold following the announcement of five more shows at Glasgow's new Hydro venue.

The stage version of the ­popular BBC comedy was originally planned to run for just four shows, but a huge demand for tickets has resulted in 21 performances being programmed.

The newest shows have been scheduled for September 19, September 20 and September 21 next year, with tickets going on sale on Friday this week at 9am.

The writers and stars of the show, Ford Kiernan and Greg Hemphill, said in a statement: "We are still utterly overwhelmed by the public's response to the show's return.

"We always knew there was an appetite for Still Game, but it seems the public demand is insatiable.

"We are all so excited to be back together and where better for a reunion than at the Hydro."

Kiernan, who plays Jack, added: "This is beyond our wildest dreams.

"We never imagined just how successful the show would be and to be adding five more dates is quite phenomenal."

A spokeswoman for the Hydro venue said: "We're overwhelmed by the response to ticket sales and the demand out there for the show."

Hemphill, who plays Victor, noted on his Twitter feed: "This is gettin stupit, Jack."

When tickets for the revival shows, which will feature all the major characters of the television show, went on sale, more than 100,000 briefs were sold in one day. The demand temporarily led to the collapse of the venue's online box office.

The tickets are priced at £45 for the majority of tickets, although some are available for £30.

The producers of the show say no more new dates are planned.

Kiernan and Hemphill's comedy was a hit on the BBC over six series and specials until 2007.

Announcing its return earlier this year, the pair said they had healed the personal split between them that led to the show leaving television after five years.

The duo also revealed they will be talking to the BBC about ­bringing the show back on to television.

The stage show will return to the world of fictional Craiglang, and bring back the key characters Jack, Victor, Isa, Tam, Navid, Boaby and Winston.

The format for the new stage show has yet to be created and no director has been appointed, but it is being produced by Phil ­McIntyre Entertainments.

The shows will be a significant pay day for Kiernan and Hemphill: industry sources said they are likely to receive writer and performer royalties on the more than 150,000 tickets now released for the shows.

This, together with performance fees, could add up to a six-figure sum.

Winston will be played by Paul Riley, Isa played by Jane McCarry, corner shop owner Navid played by Sanjeev Kohli and Boabby the barman at The Clansman played by Gavin Mitchell.

The characters of Jack and Victor were first created in 1997 and appeared at the ­Edinburgh Fringe as well as toured theatres around the UK and in Canada, where Hemphill spent a significant part of his childhood.