Comic drama Auf Wiedersehen Pet is returning to TV for a fourth series, the BBC has confirmed.

The award-winning show following the fortunes of a group of British builders is expected to be screened later this year or early next year.

Most of the action takes place in Cuba as the gang arrive in the capital Havana to renovate the British embassy.

Last year's revived third series of Auf Wiedersehen Pet on BBC One proved a critical and commercial success, attracting audiences of more than 12 million.

Rum, cigars and sun greet the group in Cuba

It was also honoured at the UK's national Comedy Awards - singled out as most popular drama and best TV comedy drama.

The new series again reunites the original 1980s writing team of Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais with most of the original cast.

It features Oz (Jimmy Nail), Dennis (Tim Healy), Neville (Kevin Whately), Barry (Timothy Spall), Moxey (Christopher Fairbank), Bomber (Pat Roach) and Wyman (Noel Clarke) travelling to the Caribbean island after leaving the US.

By the end of the last series the group had successfully relocated the Middlesbrough Transporter Bridge from the River Tees to the Arizona desert.

During their stay in Cuba, one of the team is singled out to become "our man in Havana" - a British secret agent.

Oz (Jimmy Nail) learns to love ballet in Cuba

Producers have revealed other snippets of the storyline - including the unlikely scenario of Oz developing an interest in ballet.

Other themes will include Dennis returning to his role as the "gaffer", and Barry's phone bill going through the roof as he speaks daily to his therapist in England.

The producers also promise that Cuba will bring a hint of romance for Oz and Dennis.

Franc Roddam, executive producer and creator of Pet, said the show counted A-list Hollywood stars among its fans.

He said: "I'm told that both Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe are big fans and would love to be in the new series - and I'd never say never."

Last year there were fears that a fourth series might not materialise, amid newspaper reports that the cast was at loggerheads over pay.

Filming will start shortly and may be completed in time for screening before the end of the year.