The Boys From ‘Red Dwarf’ Return For A Feature-Length Special In 2020
The boys from the Dwarf are back! UKTV has confirmed ‘Red Dwarf‘ will return to Dave next year for a feature-length special.
The 120min-long “movie” will see Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Danny John-Jules and Robert Llewellyn back as Lister, Rimmer, The Cat and Kryten, in an all-new story written and directed by series co-creator Doug Naylor and produced by Baby Cow Productions.
“I’m really excited to get back on board with the boys from the Dwarf,” commented Craig Charles. “I can’t wait to discuss Robert’s prostate problems, Chris Barrie’s hip replacement and have a proper look at Danny’s new dentures whilst they marvel at the agelessness of the Charles physique. I will surely require the services of a chiropractor after dragging these doddering misfits through what promises to be our most epic adventure yet.”
The special is produced by Richard Naylor. Christine Langan is executive producer for Baby Cow. The special will be filmed on location and at Pinewood in front of a live studio audience.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity of making more Red Dwarf,” adds Doug Naylor. “UKTV has been a never-ending source of support and encouragement since we first started working together ten years ago. Can’t wait to start shooting a format that I don’t think has ever been done before. Smoke me a kipper, we’re back and not just for breakfast.”
In addition to the announcement of the new feature-length episode, Dave has also commissioned a 3x60min retrospectives, which will offer fans the definitive story of the show from day one… over thirty years ago (yes, you are that old!)… right up to the present day. These are produced by North One and will include rare and un-broadcast material, as well as new interviews with cast and crew. The retrospectives are produced by Richard Ward and series produced by Chris Hill. Executive producer for North One is John Quinn.
“Our relationship with Red Dwarf has been incredibly fruitful and satisfying so far and it’s been a real pleasure to see the cast and crew fully committed and seemingly enjoying themselves more than ever in the run-up to this latest production,” said Pete Thornton, UKTV head of scripted who commissioned the special and retrospectives. “We’ve been talking to Doug and the team about how to take Red Dwarf forward and the special clearly offers us an exciting next step. It’s going to be a proper event in the history of the series – and with the show having now passed its thirtieth birthday, what better time to take a proper look back at its history via our retrospectives with North One.”
‘Red Dwarf’ first aired way back in February 1988 on BBC Two where it ran for 8 Seasons until 1999. It then took a bit of a break before being revived by Dave with ‘Red Dwarf: Back To Earth’ on Good Friday in 2009, which landed two million overnight viewers, and was followed by 3 further full series. The most recent, series XII, appeared on screens in 2017 and garnered some of the finest critical notices the show has ever received.
“I am a huge, life-long fan of Red Dwarf and I still re-watch it and re-read the books regularly to this day, adds Luke Hales, Dave channel director. “So it goes without saying that it gives me huge pleasure to be a part of the team this time around. I am as excited about this one as a viewer as I am in my role as channel director on Dave. The episodes we’ve made for the channel so far have been brilliant, and what a way to welcome it back too, with a feature-length special and three-part look back at the show’s history. We at the Dave team literally cannot wait to bring this huge treat to our viewers.”
For those of you wanted to get in to watch the live recording, tickets can be found here.
‘Red Dwarf‘ will premiere on Dave in 2020.
