Grrreat! The Fast Show ‘is set to return for a one-off special with original cast members Paul Whitehouse and John Thomson’
Famed for its running gags and iconic catchphrases, The Fast Show is set to return to be revived for a one-off special.
The BBC comedy sketch show, which became a hit in the 1990s, will come back to screens later this year on UKTV.
Original stars Paul Whitehouse, 61, John Thomson, 50, and Charlie Higson, 61, are all expected to feature.
It’s back! Famed for its running gags and iconic catchphrases, The Fast Show is set to return to be revived for a one-off special
The programme first ran on BBC Two between 1994 and 1999, and was set apart from the competing sketch shows due to the quickfire ‘blackout’ style of gags, with some lasting no longer than 10 seconds.
Paul Whitehouse and Harry Potter star Mark Williams, 60, played an iconic duo of tailors Ken and Kenneth with the catchphrase ‘Suits you sir’.
The iconic skit even attracted Hollywood royalty Johnny Depp to star in the series’ initial farewell episode, which he later called one of his ‘proudest achievements’.
He’s back! Paul Whitehouse, 61, is set to return as one of the main cast members from the original BBC series between 1994 and 1999 (left, during the series; and right, in 2019)
The programme was later resurrected by the Foster’s lager brand for a 13-part online series in 2011.
The sketches later re-packaged with some older material in 2014 for a 20th anniversary show on BBC Two.
Marking six years since it was last broadcast, three of the main cast members are so far believed to be returning.
Hilarious: Charlie Higson (right) and Paul Whitehouse (left), both 61, in a sketch for the show in 1997
Nice! Comedian John Thompson, who notably played Jazz Club fictional presenter Louis Balfour, is also making a return (left, in the original series; and right, in 2012)
Doesn’t suit me, sir: Mark Williams (left, with Johnny Depp and Paul in the iconic tailors sketch) is not believed to be taking part in the one-off revival episode
It is not known if Mark Williams, who declined to be involved in the 2014 special, will join his former co-stars for the first time since the 1990s.
Cast member Caroline Aherne, who also starred in The Royle Family, passed away in 2016 aged 52, but did take part in the show’s previous two revivals.
‘After years of conversations it’s finally happening – the gang are getting back together. This is something the fans have wanted for years,’ an insider told the Star.
Sorely missed: Cast member Caroline Aherne, who also starred in The Royle Family, passed away in 2016 aged 52, but did take part in the show’s previous two revivals
The first reunion: The programme was first resurrected by the Foster’s lager brand for a 13-part online series in 2011