Followsing the success of Christmas 2011’s 90-minute special, the six-part series of 30-minute episodes will again be written by Michael Wynne.

The official synopsis reads: “Sue Johnston plays Eileen Lewis, the recently widowed matriarch of the chaotic Lewis clan, a large, close-knit and dysfunctional Northern family. The trip to Lapland that took place in the Christmas Special changed Eileen’s outlook on life and left her determined to live life to the full rather than ‘sitting in the corner dressed in black’. But life back in Birkenhead is a little less inspiring than the spectacular vistas and Northern lights of Lapland.

“The series centres on Eileen’s continued struggle to find her own peace and joy in life after Ted, as often confounded by her hilariously self-centred children and loveable but trying grandchildren. Lapland features three households and three generations, Eileen, her son and daughter-in-law Pete (Dean Andrews) and Mandy (Julie Graham), daughter and son-in-law Paula (Elizabeth Berrington) and Ray (William Ash) and both couples’ respective children Ethan & Melissa and Jack & Liam.”

Mark Freeland, Controller, UK Comedy Production, BBC commented: “After its rating success last Christmas, it’s exciting that Lapland is coming back as a series. It shows BBC One backs fresh, new, comic writing.”

Pete Thornton, Executive Producer, BBC added: “Michael Wynne has penned a beautifully nuanced, warm hearted Northern comedy featuring a highly original comic family. With the brilliant Sue Johnston leading a stellar cast, we’re thrilled to welcome this hit ensemble back to BBC One.”

Lapland (working title) begins filming in Salford, Manchester, Liverpool and Birkenhead later this month and will air on BBC One early next year.

Are you looking forward to the return of Lapland? Let us know below…