The League of Gentlemen and Alan Partridge set to make return to BBC Two

THREE new episodes of The League of Gentlemen are among a range of new programme announcements for BBC Two made today at the Edinburgh TV Festival.

The cast will reunite for the first time in 15 years for the new specials.

BBC Two controller Patrick Holland also confirmed that Steve Coogan’s Alan Partridge character will be returning for new episodes.

Holland said: “I’m pleased to be announcing today a number of brilliant new titles for the channel, from an ambitious new history series telling the story of the 20th century to the much anticipated return of The League Of Gentlemen.

“Elsewhere, I’m delighted that we are bringing John Singleton’s singular, mesmerising vision of early 80’s LA to BBC Two and that we are profiling the extraordinarily talented artist Jean-Michel Basquiat in a new film with access to his sisters who have never spoken before about their brother on television.

Hokey cokey pig in a pokey, it's confirmedl! #TheLeagueOfGentlemen will return to @BBCTwo: https://t.co/RPz220xT9v pic.twitter.com/0xSDfu9lJd

— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) August 23, 2017

“These new commissions demonstrate my ambition for BBC Two – to bring the increasingly complex and changing world to the audience through challenging perspectives, human engagement and great storytelling.”

Holland also announced a new documentary series, The Army, produced by WildPictures.

A three-part observational series, the programme was filmed with the British Army over 12 months as it tackled recruiting and budgetary challenges against the backdrop of complex new threats at home and overseas.

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Holland said: “Wild Pictures’ series promises great insight and drama as it takes us right to the frontline with British soldiers, at a pivotal moment in the Army’s history.

“The series will reveal stories not covered by daily news bulletins and will instead explore how the Army continues to be deployed and at the forefront of our nation’s response, in a rapidly changing world.”