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…Well, I say news; but the hints Ive been dropping have been pretty broad. Anyway, this is it officially: I am currently writing the next - and final - episode of Cabin Pressure. It will be a forty-five minute special, and it will be recorded early in the new year. 

Because that has always been the plan - at least since about Molokai. When I was planning series three, I decided that (BBC and cast permitting), I would write two more series, and build towards a cliff-hanger, followed by a special. I knew by then how important it is when writing an episode to have the ending in mind, and I thought the same would probably be true of a series.

Well, it has to end somewhere, and six years and twenty six episodes feels like a pretty good score.    And this way I get to build towards an ending that I feel is satisfying, rather than it simply stopping one day… or worse, getting tired and repetitive. Its also allowed me to let the characters and their relationships change and develop over the last couple of series, knowing that Im building in a particular direction, in a way that I couldnt have done if Id had to keep them in sitcom limbo.

Besides, you cant fight the alphabet…

I know. But be honest, which is more satisfying: A to Z or A to Ø? 

It really isnt. Its very difficult to get them all together, certainly, but they continue to be astonishingly generous about finding ways to make it work. No, this is all my fault.  

On the… Ah, you nearly got me. No, Im afraid I dont know. I had, as many of you had guessed, been working towards another Christmas broadcast, but unfortunately that hasnt worked out. So, as early as possible in the new year, I hope; and Ill let you know here as soon as I can...