BBC axes hit show starring comedy legend after six seasons

THE BBC has confirmed it has axed David Jason comedy Still Open All Hours after six seasons.

The series was a sequel to original comedy, Open All Hours, which starred the late Ronnie Barker and Sir David, 82.

The legendary actor reprised his role as shopkeeper Granville for the show when it returned in 2013.

But sadly the show won’t be back, with bosses believing it had ran its course as they divert funds for new projects.

“We’d like to thank the cast and crew for six wonderful series, which are all available to view on BBC iPlayer,” a BBC executive said.

“There are currently no plans for new episodes of Still Open All Hours,” they added.

When the show first returned, more than 12 million viewers tuned in.

The original plan had been to film one more series of the sitcom before calling it a day, but production stopped when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

Sir David recently his ‘mentor’ Ronnie, who played Arkwright, made the show what it was.

He told The Mirror: “Ronnie B was the head of the team and because he was such a nice man, and so creative, and very funny and stimulating in his own right, he passed that on to the rest of the cast.

“He loved showbiz, he loved acting, and he loved giving pleasure to people, and he passed that on to me, if you like.

“It was me that used to call Ronnie The Guv’nor and then when Ronnie retired he decided that he would hand over The Guv’norship, as he called it, to me.

“I was his apprentice – so if you ever see me you can either call me Sir David or just The Guv’nor, I don’t mind.”