It was just days ago that reports strongly suggested that that rumoured 'Roseanne' spin-off was in full flight - and now it's been fully confirmed.

'The Conners' is set to air this autumn in the US, featuring all of the original characters from the recent 'Roseanne' revival - except, of course, for Roseanne Barr herself.

Barr, as you may recall, caused the successful reboot to be cancelled by ABC thanks to her racist tweets, but now the network has confirmed that the show will pick up where it left off after "a sudden turn of events".

John Goodman (Dan), Laurie Metcalf (Jackie), Sara Gilbert (Darlene), Lecy Goranson (Becky) and Michael Fishman (D.J.) will all return, with ABC saying in a statement: "The Conners' stories demonstrate that families can always find common ground through conversation, laughter and love. The spinoff will continue to portray contemporary issues that are as relevant today as they were 30 years ago."

The remaining cast members, meanwhile, released a joint statement It's clear that these characters not only have a place in our hearts, but in the hearts and homes of our audience. We all came back last season because we wanted to tell stories about the challenges facing a working-class family today. We are so happy to have the opportunity to return with the cast and crew to continue to share those stories through love and laughter."

Barr - who ABC say will have neither creative input nor financial gain from the new series - has not yet commented on the news.