BBC Two has ordered a second series of Miranda, its new studio-based family-friendly audience sitcom written by and starring Miranda Hart.

The sitcom's star made the announcement this morning on Twitter, with the following message: "Pleased to say, the Beeb has said yes to a second series next year."

Miranda, which started life as a sitcom on Radio 2, follows the fictional life of Miranda Hart. The premise is that Miranda runs a joke shop with her best friend Stevie, but struggles to fit into society. She's a constant disappointment to her mother Penny, who's desperate for her to get a proper job, or even better, a husband, but Miranda's happiest playing with and making up silly games in her joke shop. However, Miranda is in love with local chef Gary, but she never quite finds the right moment to tell him how she feels.

The sitcom, which also stars Sarah Hadland, Patricia Hodge and Tom Ellis, is noted for its use of slapstick humour, the star's sideways monologues in which she talks directly to the audience (aka 'breaking the fourth wall'), and using old-fashioned Are You Being Served? style "You have been watching..." credits in which the stars wave at the camera as their names are shown on screen.

This news that the sitcom has won a second series does not really come as a surprise, as Miranda has been a big success for the corporation, with the sitcom gaining much praise from both the public and critics. The comedy is also much liked by BBC executives, who have made it clear they need to find some new hit family-friendly pre-watershed series, and give female performers more prominent roles.

Miranda comments: "I was far more nervous than I thought I would be about the series going out. It being an eponymous sitcom the pressure was on. So, I am not only relieved but totally overwhelmed by the response and thrilled that people have enjoyed the series. I am very grateful for all the support and to the BBC for giving me the chance to do another series next year. A daunting, but delightful Christmas present!"

BBC Two Controller Janice Hadlow adds: "Miranda is a fantastic talent and it's no surprise that her first television series has been an instant hit. The fact that she has committed to a second series on BBC Two in 2010 is a wonderful Christmas present for both the channel and Miranda's fans."

Cheryl Taylor, Controller of Comedy Commissioning, says: "It's rare that a debut series provokes such an ecstatic response and we are delighted that Miranda's special brand of warm and distinctive comedy will be back to delight audiences again next year."

All six episodes of Miranda are available to watch on the BBC iPlayer until the 21st December 2009. The DVD of the first series will be released in April. Pre-order for £15