Mr Bean returns in new film - but it's only released in China

Rowan Atkinson has reprised his role as Mr Bean for a new big screen outing - but, at present, the film is only on release in China.

Titled Top Funny Comedian, the film is a spin-off of a Chinese variety show of the same name, and the plot involves a number of characters getting involved in a series of misadventures during a visit to Macau.

Its been compared to the Hangover films - and, like bawdy US trilogy, also features Mike Tyson in a cameo role.

Mr Bean's last appearance in a film was in 2007's Mr Bean's Holiday, an international hit that won a huge audience in China. 

One of the film's stars, comedian Guo Degang, told press that, despite having no language in common, he and Atkinson were able to transcend the language barrier with humour.

"Just with facial expressions and gestures we seemed to understand each other," said Guo.

"It was really an interesting experience, which proves that comedy can cross boundaries."

Described by Atkinson as "a child in a grown man's body", Mr Bean is largely-mute character through which Atkinson deploys his considerable talents as a physical comedian.

The original Mr Bean TV series reached UK audience figures of 18.74 million in the 90s, and was distributed to 245 territories worldwide.

In recent years Mr Bean appeared during the Olympics opening ceremony in 2012, and for a one-off sketch for Comic Relief in 2015.

Atkinson will be reprising his role from Love Actually in a new 'sequel' being produced for this year's Comic Relief.

In 2015 Atkinson was divorced by Sunetra Sastry, his wife of 24 years, on the grounds of his "unreasonable behaviour."

Ms Sastry was granted a decree nisi at the Central Family Court after her estranged husband started dating Louise Ford, a comedy actor 28 years his junior.