BBC One has ordered a new series of Jonathan Creek, the hit comedy-drama starring Alan Davies, to follow a new Easter special.

A 3-part series will begin filming later this year for broadcast in 2014, according to TV industry publication Broadcast.

The short fifth series will be the first extended run of the crime-solving comedy for a decade. Series 4, consisting of six episodes, was split into two 3-episode blocks, beginning in March 2003 and concluding in February 2004. It saw Julia Sawalha fulfilling the role of assistant to Alan Davies's title character.

Created and written by David Renwick, the writer of 1990s sitcom hit One Foot In The Grave, Jonathan Creek follows Creek, a highly intelligent and analytical deviser of magical illusions, in solving a string of apparently inexplicable crimes. It began in 1997, with Caroline Quentin as the first assistant; author and investigative journalist Maddy Magellan.

The comedy returned to screens for one-off specials on New Year's Day 2009, and Easter 2010. For those two most recent installments, Sheridan Smith joined Jonathan as sceptical associate Joey Ross (pictured).

British Comedy Guide was first to reveal, in May 2012, that a brand new special episode had been commissioned. Originally planned for broadcast at Christmas, production was pushed back and The Clue Of The Savant's Thumb, again starring Smith alongside Davies, will now broadcast on BBC One this Easter. It is expected to be shown on Sunday 31st March.

Guest stars for the special include Rik Mayall, reprising his role as D.I. Gideon Pryke; Sarah Alexander; Nigel Planer; and Joanna Lumley.

Further detail on the new Series 5 has not been revealed, but it is expected that Smith will continue alongisde Alan Davies.