The new story has more than the usual amount of twists and surprises, and I'm very much looking forward to sleuthing again."

Commissioned by Danny Cohen, Controller BBC One and Cheryl Taylor, former Controller Comedy Commissioning, this popular, award-winning comedy drama, to be produced by BBC In-House Comedy, is due for transmission at Easter 2013 on BBC One.

In The Clue of the Savant’s Thumb, Creek and fellow investigator Joey Ross (Sheridan Smith – Accused, Gavin & Stacey) are drawn into a complex case involving a secret society, seemingly supernatural events at a girls’ boarding school, and the miraculous disappearance of a body in front of three witnesses.

Alan Davies says: “The new story has more than the usual amount of twists and surprises, and I'm very much looking forward to sleuthing again. I can't wait to join Sheridan Smith on set again; we're very lucky to have her. It's nearly 17 years since I first auditioned for the part; the duffle coat is always on standby, even if the periods of duffle-hibernation are quite long these days”.

Pete Thornton, Creative Head, BBC In-House Comedy says: “A new Creek script from David is always a joy, and this one is especially brilliant. With the dream team of Alan Davies and Sheridan Smith back on board, we’re looking forward to delivering a really special Easter treat for BBC One audiences next year”.

The Clue of the Savant’s Thumb will be written by the show’s creator David Renwick (Love Soup, One Foot in the Grave), Produced by Rosemary McGowan and Executive Produced by Pete Thornton. Filming will take place late this month.

TD