Burt Kwouk (Entwistle), Brian Murphy (Alvin) and Russ Abbot (Hobbo) - the current cast

Many commentators thought the series, which finished its run recently on BBC1, was being put out to grass. In fact, the show’s producer Alan Bell even said as much last December.

The show is set to go in front of the cameras again in a matter of weeks, with Bell once more helming the production.

Mark Freeland, Head of Comedy at the BBC, said: “I am pleased that Roy Clarke’s much loved and unique comedy is once more returning to BBC1.”

Writer Roy Clarke said: “It’s like going home again.”

In contrast to a simple trio of characters, these days the programme appears to be some kind of retirement home for elderly sitcom actors, with refugees from George and Mildred, Terry and June, Are You Being Served? and Keeping Up Appearances now making up the numbers.

Howard still hasn’t managed to get away from Pearl, Barry is still failing to impress the golf club captain, the women stilldiscuss the faults of men and madcap schemes still prevail. This week the familiar bathtub down a hillside or falling off a ladder routines had been abandoned in favour of a plan to have a fry-up in the woods. Something to do with Robin Hood apparently.

Last of the Summer Wine is now being filmed in high definition, which makes it quite surprising to see that Alan JW Bell and co are still happy to use the extremely ropey-looking chromakey method to show characters travelling in cars.

Still, it’s no good complaining. While it remains able to draw a respectable Sunday teatime audience, and as long as the cast and Roy Clarke are still able, the BBC will most likely keep making it.

Good news folks – the next series is already in production…