Yonderland, Sky1's fantasy comedy series starring the original cast of Horrible Histories, is to return for a third series.

BCG reported in September that the writers appeared to have been given the green light to make another series, with a production source confirming that Series 3 script development has begun.

The news has now been confirmed publicly by Stephen Fry, who has revealed he has a role in the new series.

Writing on Twitter, Fry posted: "Let us cast off these cumbersome robes. I'm delighted to be joining the cast of #Yonderland for Series 3 on @sky1"

Sky1's official account responded: "That's yonderful news, Stephen! Delighted to have you on board."

Yonderland follows the story of Debbie Maddox, an ordinary mum who finds herself transported through a portal in her kitchen cupboard to an extraordinary world inhabited by a collection of eccentric characters. Almost all the roles are performed by the writers; Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond.

The group said today: "As such huge fans of Stephen, we are all hysterically excited - and, yes, a little nervous - to be welcoming him to the mad world of Yonderland."

In a press release, the channel explains: "Stephen Fry plays Cuddly Dick, a former Elder who returns to Yonderland having been imprisoned for years by the now-dead Imperatrix. Cuddly Dick is a charming, avuncular eccentric who loves nothing more than to spread love and kindness (as well as plenty of hugs and kisses)."

Series 2, broadcast in July and August 2015, saw a terrible threat loom over the magical kingdom, as the evil Imperatrix finished her secret weapon and issued an ultimatum - Debbie must surrender or Yonderland wouid be destroyed.

The creators say of Series 3: "With Imperatrix gone, Negatus now answers to no-one and can seize control of Yonderland for himself. But will his fellow Overlords have other ideas?

"Debbie, having allied with her evil sister to destroy the weapon she created, has finally fulfilled the great prophecy, ushering in the mythical "Second Age". But will it be a time of peace and prosperity, or will an even darker cloud spread across the land?

"Peter has no memory of his brief trip to Yonderland, thanks to Debbie undoing all the pipplefruit wishes. However, still struggling with the apparent dysfunction within the house, he has hit upon a bold solution: a new start for the family in a new house in a new town... which would mean Debbie leaving the magical portal in her kitchen cupboard."

Adam MacDonald, director of Sky 1, says: "After two successful series, it's extremely exciting to be bringing back Yonderland to Sky 1 for a third adventure. The creative team and cast are exceptionally talented and this weirdly wonderful show is well-loved by our audience. With the brilliant addition of Stephen Fry, this is a comedic treat for the whole family."

Production company Working Title Television's Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner said: "We are delighted to be bringing Yonderland back for a third series. In Cuddly Dick, our incredibly talented writers have created a very funny and surprising character to add to the other assorted idiots of Yonderland, and to have Stephen Fry joining to the team to play him is the icing on the cake. We could not be more pleased."

Filming for Yonderland Series 3 will take place this Spring, with broadcast on Sky 1 expected later in the year.

Below is one of the 'news' trailers used to promote the first series of the comedy: