Sue Johnston has joined the cast of 'Hold the Sunset'.

Sue Johnston

Sue Johnston

The popular BBC One comedy is set to return for a second series, after its first run ended with elderly couple Phil (John Cleese) and Edith (Alison Steadman) looking to move abroad, and now 'Downton Abbey' actress Sue, 74, is set to join the cast as the latter's sister Joan.

She said: "I'm thrilled to be working with such a great cast of actors. Some are new friends and some are old friends - it is a joy to be joining them all."

Alison is excited to get started on more episodes, and she admitted she's intrigued to see what the future holds for her character's relationship.

She added: "I am delighted to be back working on Hold the Sunset, I had a great time working on the first series and I can't wait to see what's in store for Edith and Phil."

And 'Monty Python' legend John revealed he is eager to see his cast mates - including Jason Watkins (Roger) and Rosie Cavaliero (Wendy) - again when they get back to work.

He said: "I really enjoyed making the first series. It was great to be able to do so much sitting-down acting. I look forward to seeing our lovely cast again."

Joining them will be stars Christian Brassington as hopeless estate agent Percy, and Shauna MacDonald as neighbour Bob's (James Cosmo) irrepressible and individual daughter Georgie.

Shane Allen, Controller Comedy Commissioning at the BBC said "We'd like to see the sun to rise on another series of this hugely popular family sitcom which shimmers with legends of British comedy."

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