Bob Servant (Brian Cox) to return to Radio 4 for final series this Christmas

After an astonishing career as Dundee's third most successful cheeseburger van owner, much-loved character Bob Servant (Brian Cox) announces his retirement from public life, in a new two-part series this Christmas: Bob Servant Says Cheerio (BBC Radio 4, beginning Wednesday 27th December, 11:30, with a second episode the following Wednesday, 3rd January.)

Bob’s retirement has rightfully been honoured with two special radio programmes as Bob looks back on his career - righting wrongs, bearing grudges and offering what he has learnt about life, romance, Scotland, and running a genuinely profitable burger van. Whether he is providing advice on the best way to approach a funeral or compliment a woman, or negotiating a pardon from the Tayside Police for a litany of minor criminal charges; Bob’s delusion and determination never fail. These qualities are unflinchingly demonstrated when urging his doctor to provide on-air confirmation of his physical attributes or - most importantly – persevering in his attempts to re-establish contact with Lulu who he met outside a petrol station in 1983 and with whom, in his words, he formed a ‘genuine lifelong connection’. The two episodes feature Phyllis Logan, Greg McHugh, Rufus Jones and Jonathan Watson – as well as a climactic reunion between Bob Servant and special guest, Lulu. Yes, that one.

Created by Neil Forsyth, the character of Bob Servant has amassed a loyal following since his first appearance on BBC radio in 2012, followed by a TV series beginning in 2013.

Produced by Lucy Armitage for Tannadice Pictures.

Julia McKenzie said – “After a bidding war between ourselves, Netflix and Channel 5, I’m delighted that Radio 4 have secured this two-parter which finds Bob Servant on peppery, vigorous form as he approaches retirement and takes time to reflect on his many achievements and innate qualities”

Neil Forsyth commented, "It was a great joy to bring Bob Servant back to where he first began, bewildering the listeners of BBC Radio. Brian slipped back into Bob's moccasins as if he'd never taken them off, while Jonathan, Greg, Phyllis, Rufus and Lulu (that's right, Lulu), provided wonderful support. What a way to go.”

Brian Cox commented, “To once again have the opportunity to play Bob Servant is a great thrill. There are a handful of roles which are coveted by all actors, and playing the third most successful cheeseburger van operator in Dundee is certainly one of them"