The BBC is set to 'refresh' Two Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps. The long-running youth-orientated BBC Three sitcom, which has clocked up over 70 episodes, is set to return later this year, but with changes. The cast is to be altered in a bid to 'rejuvenate' the show, but it is not yet known which cast members will be axed or added.

The sitcom, which follows the lives and loves of a group of young adults in Runcorn, currently stars Sheridan Smith as Janet; Natalie Casey as Donna; Kathryn Drysdale as Louise; and Will Mellor as Gaz. Ralf Little, a key cast member, left the show in 2006, and has since been replaced by Luke Gell as camp barman Tim; and Thomas Nelstrop as Donna's boyfriend-from-London, Wesley.

In today's Broadcast Magazine, BBC Comedy boss Mark Freeland rebuffed the criticism that the show is not the sort of programme the BBC should be making. He said: "Two Pints is hugely distinctive. How many young-skewing shows are set in Runcorn? It is such a robust show, and one that just keeps on getting better... I am sure that is what the [BBC] Trust must want."

British Comedy Guide can exclusively reveal that there won't just be changes to the Two Pints cast in the next series, there will also be changes to the team making the show. Susan Nickson, who created the comedy in 2001 when she was just 18, is leaving the production. She is departing to work in both the UK and the US on a number of new solo and collaborative projects.