A sequel's been announced to one of the most-loved animated films ever

It remains the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time – and now the beloved movie Chicken Run is returning to the big screen.

In case, you’ve forgotten the sheer joy of the 2000 movie, which scores a mighty 97% on Rotten Tomatoes – and came from the creator of Wallace and Gromit – here’s a little taste:

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Aardman Animations is officially working on a sequel. The first film, directed by Peter Lord and Nick Park, netted $224.8m (£161.3m) at the box office worldwide.

An Aardman spokesperson said on Twitter: “Rocky & Ginger are coming home to roost! We’re delighted to announce we’re working with @StudiocanalUK & @PatheUK on early development of a Chicken Run sequel!”

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The film, which starred Mel Gibson and Julia Sawalha, followed a gang of chickens as they embarked on a wild quest to escape a Yorkshire poultry farm. It was dramatic, hilarious and genuinely emotional.

And it’s been confirmed that the original writers Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell are returning to create the next chapter in the franchise.

It’s also set to be directed by Sam Fell, who previously directed Flushed Away - so we’re in safe hands.

There have been rumours about a Chicken Run sequel for a very long time and an online petition was even launched last year; it looks like the chickens have finally come home to roost.

(Image: Aardman Animations)