ITV recommissions 'The Royal'

ITV1 has commissioned another series of medical drama The Royal.

Work on 12 new episodes will begin later this year, including two which will be mostly filmed on location in Ireland.

Cast members Robert Daws, Amy Robbins, Linda Armstrong, Michelle Hardwick and Wendy Craig will all return.

Laura Mackie, ITV's director of drama commissioning, said: "The Royal continues to go from strength to strength. The show combines the warmth of the 1960s with dramatic stunts, gritty storylines and fantastic performances.

"We are delighted to commission 12 new episodes, and I know the production team have a few surprises in store."

Additionally, ITV is planning to air several episodes of the show which have already been filmed, but not yet shown, in June.