Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has confirmed that his mother, Shanthi Ranganathan, will return for a third series of the hit ITV game show Parents' Evening.
The announcement comes alongside a lighthearted but "brutal" revelation from the production team.
According to Romesh, ITV sent an email regarding the renewal that explicitly stated he needed to recognize his mother as "the main draw" for the audience.
The show, which features celebrities teaming up with their parents or children to answer quiz questions for charity, has become a breakout success largely due to the chemistry between the mother-son duo.
Romesh joked that while he is technically the host, the network's feedback makes it clear that Shanthi’s outspoken nature and "strong opinions" are the real reason viewers tune in.
The new series will consist of six hour-long episodes and a special Christmas edition.
Shanthi Ranganathan first gained national attention appearing alongside her son in the travel docuseries Asian Provocateur.
Since then, she has become a recurring figure in his projects, including their joint podcast, The Romesh Ranganathan Show.
Her transition from a former shop worker to a television star has been marked by her refusal to let fame change her blunt and often hilariously critical assessment of her son’s career and life choices.
On their podcast, Shanthi recently made headlines for her "brutally honest" takes on everything from Romesh’s "shoe addiction" to his parenting style.
Fans have praised her for providing a relatable and grounded counterpoint to Romesh’s sardonic comedy.
Whether she is learning a new language on air or declaring her unexpected love for the band Take That, Shanthi continues to prove that she is more than just a supporting character in her son’s comedic universe.