The Syndicate returns after 5-year break

\'The Syndicate\' is to return to BBC One after a five-year break.

Kay Mellor - who created the series in 2012 - has developed a fourth series of her critically acclaimed drama, which last aired in 2015 with Lenny Henry.

The new series will follow the owners of Woodvale Kennels and their employees, who fear they will have to sell their beloved business before they win the lottery.

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But the staff soon find out there are plenty of obstacles to overcome before they can claim their cash.

Kay said in a statement: "I\'m thrilled to be working with the BBC again. As ever, it\'s a brand-new \'Syndicate\' and has a fresh and unique transatlantic story.

"I couldn\'t resist setting this series in a dog kennels either. I have a Shih-tzu myself and love animals - they say you should never work with kids or animals but I\'m a sucker for a challenge and can\'t wait to get started."

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An air date has yet to have been released, but the fourth series will consist of six hour-long episodes and has been commissioned by Controller of BBC Drama Piers Wenger.

He said: "We are so happy to have \'The Syndicate\' coming back for a fourth series on BBC One. Kay\'s gripping, intriguing and heart-warming scripts will take viewers on a rollercoaster of emotions as a brand new set of characters from a Leeds dog kennels win the lottery and set their sights on Vegas."

What\'s more, the show will be streamed on BritBox for audiences to watch in the US and Canada.

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Soumya Sriraman, President and Founder for BritBox, added: "How do you improve one of Kay\'s compelling cat-and-mouse stories? Simple, add dogs.

"I can\'t wait for the BritBox community to experience this new world of Kay\'s, grappling with contemporary concerns through the lens of her taut, thrilling plots."