‘Inside No. 9’ has been commissioned for a sixth and seventh series.
The BBC’s hugely popular anthology series – written by ‘League of Gentlemen’ and ‘Psychoville’ duo Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith – has had its run extended ahead of tonight’s (09.03.20) season five finale, and the two stars are "delighted and exhausted" by the opportunity.
In a joint statement, they said: "Little did we know when we started ‘Inside No. 9’ in 2014 that we would end up with as many episodes of it as ‘Countryfile’.
"We are delighted and exhausted in equal measure at the prospect of two more series-worth of tall tales and fearsome fables.
"However, we will endeavour to showcase the very best of what the BBC can do in every genre with 30 minutes of story-telling and some half-decent wigs. We might even try a ‘Countryfile’ episode, no one would expect that…"
Over the past six years, and show has featured over 30 half-hour episodes – each set in a different location with a different style and tone each week.
Shane Allen – Controller, Controller, BBC Comedy Commissioning – commented: "With over 30 distinctive and dazzling shows to date, their ability to master and nail every genre of story-telling with brevity, invention and flair is unparalleled.
"Oscars have been won for less than Reece and Steve manage to conjure up with each original concept for every single show. Quite simply they have the most fertile minds in British comedy and god knows what magic the next series will bring."
Josh Cole – Head of Comedy, BBC Studios – added: "Reece and Steve continue to make and break all the rules of comedy in ever more spectacular and horrifying fashion, and we are delighted that the BBC have given us the opportunity to make two more series.
To paraphrase the show itself, not since the escaped cow has there been such excitement. Long live ‘Inside No. 9!’ "
The fifth series concludes on Monday (09.03.20) at 10pm on BBC Two.
Inside No. 9 commissioned for two more series
