Exclusive: BBC One is returning to Lapland. My sources are telling me that the broadcaster has ordered a follow up to its 2011 Christmas comedy. The BBC is not confirming but I hear that this new follow up, which I’m told is working under the same title of Lapland, will form part of the channel’s 2012 Christmas line up. At present it is unclear how many members of the original cast will be returning and I’m told that the only confirmed cast member for this follow up is Julie Graham, who will be reprising her role as Mandy Lewis. I’m also being told that Stephen Graham will not be returning as Peter Lewis, instead the part has been recast and Dean Andrews (Life On Mars) will now assume the role.

The original 90 minute production was penned by Michael Wynne and produced by BBC In-House production and followed the chaotic Lewis clan, a large close-knit family from Birkenhead, who saved all year round to make Christmas as special as possible. With the money in hand they decide to go to Lapland on a package tour to see Father Christmas Finnish style, complete with huskies, reindeers and maybe the magical northern lights. But they discover Lapland brings more than they bargained for. The comedy starred Sue Johnston (Waking The Dead), Stephen Graham (This Is England), Elizabeth Berrington (Secrets And Lies), William Ash (Waterloo Road), Julie Graham (Survivors), Zawe Ashton (Fresh Meat) and Keith Barron (Benidorm).