The BBC has now confirmed that it has ordered a second series of sketch comedy format Tracey Ullman's Show.

The corporation comments: "Tracey was received with open arms when she returned to BBC One at the beginning of January after a break of 30 years, and the series garnered great critical acclaim and peak consolidated audiences of over 4m viewers.

"A mix of sketch, celebrity impressions, song and dance, the show played to all Tracey's strengths as a peerless impressionist and comedic social commentator, and included impressions of Dame Judi Dench as a kleptomaniac and German Chancellor Angela Merkel as a sex kitten. Other comedy characters included drugs mule Karen, adjusting to modern life after 28 years in a Thai prison, and topless feminist MP Sally Preston."

Tracey Ullman herself says: "It has been a pleasure being back at the BBC, and I am thrilled to get the opportunity to write more shows with my brilliant team. The warm reception from the British public has meant a lot to me personally. I want to thank them and let Dame Judi Dench and Chancellor Angela Merkel know I couldn't have done it without you girls. Here's to season two."

Commissioner Shane Allen comments: "Tracey's triumphant return to British television was a big hit with the audience. She's such an exceptional talent at the top of her game. The new series will have plenty more surprises and finger on the pulse characters and impressions that hold a fairground mirror up to modern British society, politics and celebrity."

News of a recommission for Tracey Ullman's Show has been expected since the show finished in February. Despite airing in a 10:35pm time slot - scheduling that has been criticised by some TV commentators - the show still managed to achieve consolidated audience figures over 4 million.

Series 2 is expected to be shown early next year.

Win a signed copy of the Series 1 DVD