The first entry on the list may seem obvious, but it's certainly important - and it's one of the few concrete pieces of information released so far. The four main cast members are back onboard, just as they were for series IX and X. It seems they've dedicated far more time to this series too, with Craig Charles even quitting his role on Coronation Street in order to make room for shooting Series XI. Fans don't need reminding of how badly things can go if Charles, Robert Llewelyn, Danny John-Jules and Chris Barrie aren't all involved. Series VII is generally regarded as the show's weakest date, and this is largely due to a substantial lack of Rimmer. Barrie had chosen not to return for the series, with Chloë Annett's Kristine Kochanski replacing him. Annett did her best, but struggled with a fairly poorly written character and largely negative reaction to Rimmer's absence. Series VIII improved on VII (just about), mainly because Rimmer returned. It's good that all four main cast members seem truly committed to the project. It'll be interesting to see if Annett returns too, given her minute role in IX and complete absence from X.
