Rev to return to BBC2 for series 3 but not until 2014

Olivia Colman and Tom Hollander play the Rev and his wife in the hit series

Award-winning comedy Rev will return to BBC2 for a third series but it will not be broadcast until 2014.

Producers say the "brilliance" of cast members such as Tom Hollander and Olivia Colman have made getting everyone back together "challenging".

The actors play inner-city vicar Rev Adam Smallbone and his wife Alex in the hit comedy, which won best sitcom at last year's TV Baftas.

Filming is due to begin in Autumn 2013, with development starting this year.

Producer Kenton Allen said: "I'm delighted that we've managed to get Adam and his congregation back into church for what I hope will be an extraordinary third season of a show that is extremely special for all those involved."

Made by Big Talk Productions, the first two series of Rev and a Christmas special proved a hit with critics.

The show also won best comedy at the South Bank Awards and picked up four prizes at the Broadcasting Press Guild Awards in March, including best comedy and entertainment show and best writing.

Peep Show star Colman picked up two BPG awards of her own, including best actress and best breakthrough for both Rev and BBC One drama Exile.

Colman's career has soared in recent years, with roles in Olympics comedy Twenty Twelve and a transition to the big screen in films such as Tyrannosaur and The Iron Lady.

Colman played a lovestruck PA in Olympics comedy Twenty Twelve alongside

The actress was also recently voted number nine in Broadcast magazine's annual survey of the top 100 most creative and successful figures in TV.

Hollander is set to start filming alongside Rachel McAdams and Bill Nighy in About Time, the new time-travel comedy from Love Actually director Richard Curtis.

He also recently worked on director Neil Jordan's next film, Byzantium, which co-stars Gemma Arterton and Saoirse Ronan.

BBC2 controller Janice Hadlow said: "We're absolutely delighted to have Rev back on the channel. It's one of the real comedy jewels in BBC2's crown."