Cranford Returns To BBC One For Two-Part Xmas Special

Dame Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton, Francesca Annis, Julia McKenzie and Jim Carter are to return in the award-winning BBC One drama 'Cranford' in a two-part special for Christmas 2009.
Fresh from four BAFTA Television nominations, seven BAFTA Craft nominations and six Broadcasting Press Guild nominations, as well as the TRIC Award 2007 for Best Drama Programme earlier this month and the RTS Award for Best Writer, the two-part special will be produced by co-creator Sue Birtwistle ('Pride And Prejudice'), directed by Simon Curtis ('Five Days', 'Freezing') and written by Heidi Thomas ('Ballet Shoes', 'Lilies').
'Cranford', which was first broadcast on BBC One in November 2007, told the story of a small Cheshire market town in the early 1840s. The Christmas special will pick up the story in September 1844, a year after the town celebrated the wedding of Sophy (Kimberley Nixon) and Dr Harrison (Simon Woods).
Kate Harwood, BBC Head of Series and Serials and Executive Producer of 'Cranford' said: "'Cranford' captured the hearts of the nation last year as every week, nearly 8 million viewers tuned in to catch up with Miss Matty and her fellow villagers.
"I am delighted that we are able to bring these much-loved characters back to life for a Christmas special in 2009 and once again uniting an unprecedented pool of talent to thrill and entertain our audiences."
The 'Cranford' 2009 Christmas special will film in and around Wiltshire and London. It was recommissioned by Jane Tranter, Controller of BBC Fiction.
(KMcA/JM)