DERRY GIRLS is often looked upon as the female Inbetweeners – and just like its fellow coming-of-age comedy, the sitcom’s TV run is ending after three series.
I can reveal the upcoming instalment will be the last time fans will see Erin, Clare, Orla, Michelle and James in action on the small screen.
Given the show’s main stars are in their late-20s and early 30s, it has become increasingly difficult for them to get away with playing teenagers.
A TV source said: “Derry Girls has had a great run and will go down as one of Channel 4’s best ever comedies.
“But the show’s come to its natural end and everybody associated believes it’s the right time to go, when there’s such a demand for it.”
The groundbreaking comedy follows a set of girl pals, plus “a wee lad from England”, growing up in 1990s Northern Ireland during the troubles. The first series aired in 2018 and quickly gained a cult following, making a second and third series inevitable.
The show’s success put many of its cast on the map, particularly Nicola Coughlan (Clare), who went on to land a role in Netflix blockbuster drama Bridgerton.
Creator and writer Lisa McGee said: “Derry Girls is a love letter to the place I come from and the people who shaped me. It has been an honour to write it and I will be forever proud of everything it’s achieved.”
But the sitcom’s loyal following shouldn’t rule out the cast returning in other forms.
Indeed, speaking in July while confirming the third season would finally go ahead after being delayed due to Covid, Lisa revealed her plans to write a Derry Girls movie
She said: “For a while I didn’t know if it would work but now an idea is starting to vaguely form in my head, so after series three I’ll think about that a bit more.
“I’d like to do it and I think the cast would too, so that would be the long-term plan.”
This has got to happen.
EMPLOYING Michelle Keegan as a lollipop lady would certainly cut car pollution around schools as every lad would want to walk to lessons.
The ex-Corrie star was also snapped dressed as a delivery driver and businesswoman as she filmed her Sky One comedy Brassic in Bacup, Lancs.
The latest instalment airs next month, so there’s plenty for fans to look forward to. Especially if they’re into lollipop ladies.
ALEXANDRA BURKE tends to do well in TV competitions, so it’s no surprise that she is the last woman standing in the toughest of them all.
The former X Factor winner and Strictly finalist remains in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, alongside rower James Cracknell, Paralympian Aled Davies, Love Island hunk Wes Nelson and telly presenter Ore Oduba.
And she has paid tribute to her co-stars for helping her get so far on the gruelling Channel 4 show.
She said: “The others looked after me so well.
“These men are showing me what real men are. It made me realise, I need this kind of man in my life.
“I had Ore bandaging my feet up because my ankles were sprained.
“It was just remarkable the way that everyone pulled together.”
Being sworn at repeatedly by the show’s DS team clearly creates a kind of camaraderie.
COMEDY stars Katherine Ryan and Romesh Ranganathan will be talking sex on a new Netflix special.
Production Company Fulwell 73 are behind Sex: Unzipped, which will examine the biggest myths, misconceptions and experiences when it comes to sex and identity.
Katherine and Romesh will be among the talking heads, joining a range of sexperts and show host, American rapper Saweetie – who’ll be knitting it all together.
You’ll be able to watch – hopefully not with your parents – on October 26.
GEMMA COLLINS has clearly never endured an M25 commute before.
The former Towie star has backed the Insulate Britain protesters blocking the motorway, saying she would love to join them but her agent won’t let her.
She said: “Good luck to them. I do get it – people need to get to work and their bosses will be on their backs if they are late. I understand all of that.
“But people are really getting distressed by what is going on and there needs to be change and that needs to happen now before it’s too late. And people do need to do their bit. It’s serious.”
But thankfully the GC won’t be blocking any motorways herself. Speaking at the Chelsea Flower show, she added. “I don’t think my agent would let me. I do get their movement and I am behind them.”
I think the GC should stick to flogging dresses.
PIERS MORGAN no longer hosts, but his old foe Lord Sugar is still having a pop at GMB.
The Apprentice star branded yesterday’s show and presenter Richard Madeley a “shambles”.
He tweeted: “Poor guests by Zoom, Richard fumbling on his words. The 8am news called at 7.58.”
