[3] Tahir Randhawa, played by Shobhit Piasa, also debuted in the fourth series as "the smooth talking billy-liar nephew of Kaneez, whose salesman's patter hides a family secret".

The Halifax Courier reported that there would be a minimum of a two-month break, but confirmed that Ackley Bridge "will be back", amidst rumours of the series' cancellation.

It was added by Northern Talent, the casting company, that they would prefer groups of extras from the same household, since it meant that they could interact on set without quarantining beforehand.

[12] It was also confirmed that regular cast members would be tested for the virus and placed into "bubbles" in order for them to physically interact with each other on-screen.

Rebecca Holdsworth, Channel 4's commissioning executive, stated that the shortened runtime was to reflect the viewing habits of younger viewers and to give the series "a new look and feel" with the new characters joining.

Holdsworth explained that by placing Ackley Bridge in between The Simpsons and Hollyoaks, it would appeal to the younger audiences who watch the respective shows.