‘Little Britain’ Return Confirmed As Matt Lucas And David Walliams Reunite For New Sketch

Little Britain is officially returning to screens, for the first sketch in over a decade.

TV comedy duo Matt Lucas and David Walliams haven't performed on telly as their infamous characters in more than 12 years, but they are now bringing the show back for BBC's upcoming coronavirus fundraiser, The Big Night In.

Joining Matt and David in reprising their old roles, Catherine Tate will also be making a comeback as Lauren the school girl, teaming up with David Tennant (her former Doctor Who co star), while comedian Peter Kay will also make a TV return.

The Big Night In is basically a combination of BBC Children in Need and Comic Relief, and seeks to reward those "going the extra mile" to look after those in their local communities as a result of the pandemic.

It "will celebrate the acts of kindness, humour and the spirit of hope and resilience that is keeping the nation going during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic," the BBC explained.

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While it is not yet known what the Little Britain sketch will look like, it's likely that it will be rather different from what it was between 2003-2008.

The stars often used blackface, and came under fire for many of their characters, including disabled Andy, tracksuit clad Vicky Pollard, "the only gay in the village" Daffyd Thomas and cross dressers, Emily and Florence.

Speaking to The Big Issue in 2017, Lucas said: "I wouldn't make that show now. It would upset people. We made a more cruel comedy than I'd do now. Society has moved on a lot since then and my own views have evolved."

While, a year later, Walliams conceded: "You'd definitely do it differently [now] because it's a different time."

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This acceptance that things need to chance hasn't stopped the comedy duo's desire to bring the show back.

The Britain's Got Talent judge and the new Bake Off host recorded a one-off radio show entitled Little Brexit just months ago, and received much acclaim.

And speaking The One Show, Matt Lucas later teased that he and Walliams were "getting on well and we are thinking about what we can do with Little Britain".

It sounds like they've worked something out... and it couldn't have come at a better time.

The Big Night In will air on BBC One on Thursday 23rd April.

Topics: BBC, TV News, Coronavirus, TV Entertainment

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

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