Auf Wiedersehen Pet goes to Cuba for its return to BBC One

The series, which stars Jimmy Nail and Timothy Spall, was a ratings hit when it came back to TV screens last year.

The new series sees the cast, which includes Timothy Spall and Jimmy Nail, end up working in Cuba.

Other programmes for the next season include a one-off drama called The Deputy, in which Warren Clarke plays a deputy prime minister.

Clarke will be flanked by comic Jack Dee, tackling a straight role as ambitious politician Stephen Sharples.

Actor Stephen Tompkinson stars in new drama In Denial Of Murder

Another drama, England Expects, will deal with how the portrayal of Islam and asylum seekers is feeding the rise of the political far right.

"Using drama is a powerful way of getting viewers to engage with difficult subjects," said BBC One controller Lorraine Heggessey on unveiling the station's winter line-up.

"It introduces them to issues and dilemmas they would otherwise be likely to ignore by getting under the skin of subjects," she added.

And Sea of Souls will see Bill Paterson star as part of a team of parapsychologists who look into extraordinary events happening to ordinary people.

A season of programmes about children in care will be also spearheaded on BBC One, which will be complemented by storylines in Casualty, Doctor and Neighbours.

Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston star in a new comedy

The winter line-up also features comedy, with Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston will starring in comedy Mad About Alice, about a couple who have broken up - although their relationship is far from over.

Comedienne Victoria Wood will also return to BBC One in but this time in a serious role - in a programme examining the dieting industry.

Entertainer Rolf Harris, who recently celebrated 50 years in showbusiness, will return to his artistic roots as celebrity guests join him to have their portraits painted.

And wildlife will be put in the spotlight with The Big Cat Diary, which returns for a second series with a week of coverage from Africa, while the legend of Noah's Ark will come under new scrutiny.