One of the most-loved British comedies of the 21st century could be making a comeback to screens after more than a decade under a bombshell new deal.
The Inbetweeners was a coming-of-age sitcom broadcast on E4, which followed the chaotic journey of four British teenagers navigating adolescence.
Fans have long awaited a return of the comedy after the series ended in 2010 after three seasons. Two follow-up films were released in 2011 and in 2014.
Now, excitement is growing that this may soon become a reality after it was announced on Monday that Fudge Park Productions, founded by the show's creators, Iain Morris and Damon Beesley, signed a new deal with Banijay UK.
The Inbetweeners could be making a comeback to screens after more than a decade
|GETTY
The agreement has unlocked the rights to The Inbetweeners, with series now able to make a return to the screens and the stage.
Beesley and Morris said it was “incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh friends)”.
Fudge Park managing director Jonathan Blyth said: “We are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with Banijay who share our vision and ambition for one of the most iconic comedies in British history.
“This is a wonderful moment for fans, there are exciting conversations afoot and more news to follow.”
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Joe Thomas (right) who played Simon Cooper in the Channel 4 hit, said last year: 'If it was something that came up, I think we would want to do it'
|CHANNEL 4
While actor Joe Thomas, 41, who played Simon, said last year: "We’re all still around... We’re all still in each other’s lives. We all still like each other.
“And if it was something that came up, I think we would want to do it.”
Banjiay UK chief executive Patrick Holland said he was “delighted to pick up the conversation about the future of The Inbetweeners with [Morris and Beesley]”.
He added: “They have an infectious creative vision for the brand which will resonate with audiences old and new.”
The company said the deal “unlocks the rights and potential to bring The Inbetweeners back for new audiences across a range of platforms including film, tv and stage”.
Rumours began to swirl of a reunion in the summer, when Thomas and Buckley made a cryptic post on social media.
The pair were spotted posing for what seemed to be a photoshoot, with Thomas posting the image on Instagram alongside a mysterious caption, reading: "Working on something..."
Series fan-favourite Emily Atack, who played Will's love interest Charlotte Hinchcliffe, has also been rumoured to return if the series is reignited.
The reboot would be the first time in more than 10 years that the full cast would have been seen together on the screen.
In the aftermath of the backlash, Buckley called the episode a 'disaster'
|GETTY
However, many fans may still be cautious after a Channel 4 reunion episode sparked intense backlash.
The episode titled The Inbetweeners: Fwends Reunited was hosted by comedian Jimmy Carr and aired on New Year's Day 2019, with viewers describing the special as "awkward".
In the aftermath of the backlash, Buckley called the episode a "disaster" and slammed Carr for interrupting the actors as they shared anecdotes from their time on the show.
The actor said the special had been "rushed" and revealed that he "was just as disappointed as everyone else when that thing came out".