Cranford to return for Christmas special

'Cranford', the hit BBC period drama, is to return this Christmas for a two-part special.
Judi Dench, Imelda Staunton and Francesca Annis have all agreed to reprise their respective characters following the show's successful run last autumn.
The special will again be set in the small Cheshire market town in September 1844 a year on from the marriage of Sophy (Kimberley Nixon) and Dr Harrison (Simon Woods).
Kate Harwood, the BBC's head of series and serials, and executive producer of 'Cranford', expressed her delight that the series would return.
She said: "'Cranford' captured the hearts of the nation [the UK] last year as every week, nearly 8m 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."
'Cranford' has been nominated for four upcoming BAFTA Television Awards, including programme of the year.