David Jason as DI Jack Frost

Launching the latest series to the press on Tuesday 15 September, the channel’s Director of Drama Commissioning, Laura Mackie, confirmed that after the three-part series – due to air in October – Sir David Jason would return to the role one more time in a final two-part story that will see DI Jack Frost leave the force forever.

“You wouldn’t want me to play Frost in wheelchair, would you?” Jason told journalists.

“I think it was Dennis Waterman who kindly pointed out that he thought I was the oldest detective in British television. It’s just time to move on. Frost is getting a little long in the tooth. It’s not that I don’t enjoy playing him, I do. It’s just that I think he’s got to retire.”

Jason went on to reveal the decision came about in a script meeting with fellow Executive Producer on the show David Reynolds. “We approached the good ladies at Network Centre and they said, ‘Yeah, maybe it’s a good idea’.”

How will Frost bow out? “We haven’t got a script or a storyline,” said Jason. “Not decided. Perhaps he just retires gracefully, gets the gold watch and walks away from Denton nick.”

In addition, ITV1 announced Jason is to appear in a new one-off drama, also co-executive produced by Reynolds. Albert’s Memorial follows the story of two World War II veterans, determined to fulfill the dying wish of their friend, who wants to be buried outside Hinderburg in Germany. It should reach the screen next year.