ITV has reportedly given the green light to a second series of sitcom Kate & Koji.

The comedy stars two-time Oscar nominee Brenda Blethyn as Kate, the cantankerous owner of a seaside cafe who strikes up an unlikely friendship with African doctor Koji (Jimmy Akingbola).

The six-part first series aired in March and April and drew a peak of more than 6 million viewers, and according to The Sun, ITV have now decided to order a second.

"It's a show with an unusual setting and character dynamic but it's still gained a terrific audience," a source told the newspaper.

"Though it's probably helped by Brenda having such a devoted following thanks to playing no-nonsense detective DCI Vera Stanhope."

The show also stars Blake Harrison as Kate's nephew Dan and Barbara Flynn as Kate's snooty nemesis Councillor Bone.