Norman Lovett is to return to Red Dwarf for the first time in 18 years.

Deadpan comedian Lovett played Holly the computer in the first two series of Red Dwarf, before Hattie Hayridge took over for series three through five. The character was then absent for the show for almost two full series, before returning - again played by Norman - at the very end of series seven and throughout the eighth.

But ever since Back to Earth, Holly has been absent from the ship until now.

"Yes, it's true," writer/director Doug Naylor told Red Dwarf's official site. "Holly, played by Norman Lovett, guest stars in one of the new shows in Red Dwarf XII. But which show remains a secret!"

If you want to know when Norman makes his appearance, you'll just have to watch the brand new series. There is not too long to wait though. It has now been confirmed that the first episode of the series will air on Dave on Thursday, 12th October 2017.