Doncaster sitcom Still Open All Hours 'not axed' says BBC despite reports

Doncaster filmed sitcom Still Open All Hours has not been cancelled, despite tabloid reports suggesting the show has been axed after seven years.
The BBC has not axed Still Open All Hours, despite reports.The BBC has not axed Still Open All Hours, despite reports.
The BBC has not axed Still Open All Hours, despite reports.

According to newspaper reports yesterday, the Balby-based show, starring Sir David Jason, has been dropped due to dwindling viewing figures.

But online comedy website British Comedy Guide quotes a BBC spokesman as saying the rumours are “100% not true” and that the show has only been put on hold because of the coronavirus pandemic.

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The comedy, penned by Doncaster’s Roy Clarke, is a sequel to the celebrated 1970s and 80s Ronnie Barker sitcom Open All Hours and has run for six series to date.

According to BGC, ‘a high-level BBC insider’ told them: "There is no truth in this and discussions on future episodes are ongoing. However, 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."

The rebooted show, filmed at the converted Beautique hairdressing salon on the corner of Lister Avenue and Scarth Avenue in Balby, first returned as a one-off Christmas special in 2013 and showed Granville (Jason) having inherited the shop from his uncle Arkwright (Barker).

The show proved a ratings hit and since then, there have been six series – more than the original Open All Hours run managed.

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Open All Hours first aired in Britain in 1973, featuring the antics of penny-pinching shopkeeper Arkwright, played by the late Ronnie Barker and his long-suffering nephew Granville, played by Sir David Jason.

According to the Daily Star Sunday, the show was facing the chop due to declining viewer figures.

A source told the paper: "It’s been an integral part of the BBC’s comedy output for a while.

“But sadly the show won’t be back. It has run its course and it is time to call it a day.”

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The show originally saw Lynda Baron reprising her role as Nurse Gladys Emmanuel but the star has not been involved in the last four series.

Stephanie Cole (Mrs Featherstone) and Maggie Ollerenshaw (Mavis) who were both involved in the original show have also starred in the remake.