A pair of new one-off episodes of Last Tango in Halifax have begun filming.

Regular cast members Sarah Lancashire, Anne Reid, Derek Jacobi, and Nicola Walker will all return for the two-part Christmas special on BBC One next month.

The drama’s third season concluded in February 2015, averaging 7.4 million viewers.

Buy the complete Season 1-3 box set on Amazon here.

A fourth season was confirmed by BBC One last year.

Star Anne Reid, who plays Celia, previously commented: “This will be our fourth run and I think that will be enough. Derek [Jacobi] and I said we’d only do two series but people love it … I’m happy to film another but I hate it when programmes go on too long and become a pale imitation of the original.”

The official synopsis for the new specials reads: “Set two years after Kate’s tragic death, the episodes will see Caroline (Sarah Lancashire) coming to terms with yet more changes in her life. With a new job at a very different school, a new family home in Huddersfield and a chance encounter with a potential love interest, could things be looking up for her and her children?

“Meanwhile, Gillian (Nicola Walker) is struggling to come to terms with the unusual activity that keeps happening in the barn. With issues from her past coming back to haunt her, will she let them affect her relationship with Robbie (Dean Andrews)?”

Sarah Lancashire teased: “It’s brilliant to be back filming Last Tango in Halifax again and to be back with everyone. This Christmas special is a very eventful one and it will be great to see how everyone’s lives have changed over the past two years.”

Executive producer Nicola Shindler added: “[Writer Sally Wainwright] has created an absolutely fantastic two-part special, with a very engaging plot and a brilliant combination of comedy and drama. We can’t wait to share this much-loved show with fans over the festive period.”

Are you looking forward to the return of Last Tango in Halifax? Let us know below…