
BBC hit comedy set for return after 18 years - but with a huge twist
The cast of a popular TV and radio series are set for a big reunion after it the BBC show unexpectedly axed over a decade ago - but there is a twist in its return
A popular BBC comedy series is set to make a return after 18 years off air. However, fans won't take in the show in the same way as bosses have announced a big change.
To celebrate its 25th anniversary, a former BBC Radio 4' show is taking to the road. The multi-award-winning topical satire show Dead Ringers is heading on full UK tour for the first time.
The tour will feature long-standing cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis McLeod, and Duncan Wisbey. It will take its audience on a journey through a quarter century of classic sketches, uncanny impressions, and the cutting-edge political and cultural satire that has defined the series.
While the format's stars have previously performed together on stage shows, including in London and at the Edinburgh Festival, the upcoming tour will be the first of its kind for the show.
The tour will be a tribute to Dead Ringers creator and producer Bill Dare, who died suddenly in March. In a statement Dare's agent JFL Agency confirmed he died, with has spokesperson saying at the time: 'We are shocked and greatly saddened to have to announce the death of our brilliant client Bill Dare, who died at the weekend following an accident overseas.
'Our thoughts are with his wife Lucy, daughter Rebecca, and with all of Bill's family and friends who will be devastated by his loss. Bill was a truly legendary producer and writer, and his comedy instincts were second to none.'
Bill was a legendary figure in radio & TV comedy having also been behind such classic series as The Now Show, Spitting Image, and The Mary Whitehouse Experience.
Now, the Dead Ringers team say they are honoured to hit the road to celebrate his work in this way. Audiences are set to watch the trademark Dead Ringers mix of wit, mischief, and impressions when it hits the road in September.
Before that, the radio show returns in all its topical glory this June on BBC Radio 4 as part of Friday Night Comedy. This tour is a special event and will not be for broadcast.
The TV series of the show was axed in 2009 after seven series. Star Jan Ravens revealed at the time: "It's bizarre, there was no announcement or anything.
"The producer just rang me and said it's not going to be re-commissioned. It would be nice to make an announcement or do a farewell edition of the show."
Jan took on the mimicking roles from characters including Amy Winehouse to Ann Robinson during its nine years on air.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Scotsman
35 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Who won Race Across the World today? BBC final recap
See which of the four teams managed to win Race Across the World series 5 🏃♂️ Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Race Across the World has crowned the winners for series 5. The winning pair walks away with the grand prize after the final leg. But which team made it to the last checkpoint first? The fifth winners of Race Across the World have been crowned after a rollercoaster final on the BBC. The remaining teams faced one last dash to reach the last checkpoint on a truly mammoth journey. After eight weeks - and around 14,000km - four pairs successfully completed the journey from the Great Wall of China to Kanyakumari in India. It is an incredible journey that has taken them across two of the most populous countries in the world - via Nepal. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad However, all good things must come to an end, as they say. The final of Race Across the World's fifth series took place tonight (June 11) and just over seven hours separated the top three teams heading into the last leg. But which of the pairs managed to run out as victors at the end of the race? Here's all you need to know: Who won Race Across the World series 5? Race Across the World series 5 finalists | BBC Heading into the final leg of the mammoth race from China to the bottom of India, mother and son duo Caroline and Tom were in the lead. They reclaimed the top spot at the end of last week's seventh leg - as then-leaders Brian and Melvyn saw themselves tumble to the bottom of the leader board after opting for the rural route and avoiding Mumbai and falling 17 hours behind. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Caroline and Tom had a nearly seven hour lead over sisters Elizabeth and Letita. Young Welsh couple Fin and Sioned were ever so slightly further behind at seven hours and 48 minutes - having clawed back from a 33 hour deficit earlier in the season. It set things up for a dramatic final dash across the southern states of India. But who made it to Kanyakumari first? Caroline and Tom were the first to reach the last checkpoint and thus were crowned winners of Race Across the World series five. What does the winner of Race Across the World get? The winning couple walk away with a £20,000 jackpot - as well as bragging rights of course. It has been the same prize since the show began back in 2019. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Fortunately for fans, the show is not completely over as there is still one episode left in the season. Race Across the World will be back next week (June 18) with a reunion special that will reunite the five teams six months after the end of the race. It promises unseen footage, behind-the-scenes insights and plenty more. Find out how to watch it here. Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.


Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Wynne Evans shares full video 'BBC wouldn't let him publish' after 'grope'
Former Strictly Come Dancing contestant Wynne Evans has posted a video that he claims the BBC wouldn't let him share in full amid a scandal on the show last year. It comes following his departure from the BBC in recent weeks. The video shows Wynne and Katya Jones backstage after a scene in which he had moved his hand over her waist on the show. Wynne wrote: "The video that was too long for @bbcstrictly @bbccymruwales I think this tells it as it was."


The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Winners of Race Across The World 2025 crowned
Four teams in the 14,100km (8,761-mile) race successfully crossed Asia, the world's largest continent, to make it to the finish line. Caroline and Tom with the check-in book (BBC/Studio Lambert) During Wednesday's episode, Caroline and Tom had to find Vattakottai Fort where the final sign-in book was waiting. After turning the page to discover they were the first team to make it to the landmark they hugged, overcome with emotion. Writing their names in the book, Tom said: 'That's a really good feeling, I'm lost for words, I can't believe it. 'Fifty-one days racing through countries I never thought I'd go to. 'I never thought we'd come this far, I never thought we'd achieve so much and I've never been prouder of my mum – she got me through it.' Sisters Elizabeth and Letitia came second, just 19 minutes behind the winners, with teenage couple Fin and Sioned third. Brothers Brian and Melvyn arrived in fourth place, three hours and five minutes behind Caroline and Tom. Winning pair Tom and Caroline (BBC/Studio Lambert) The winning pair began the last leg in the lead, six hours and 54 minutes ahead of Elizabeth and Letitia. They started from the seventh checkpoint, Panaji in Goa with just over 1,000km (600 miles) to traverse across the southern Indian states to reach the finish line. Reflecting on their win, Tom said the race was 'the best experience of my life'. Caroline said: 'We've learnt so much, we've enjoyed it and to actually win it as well as to have the experience is the best thing that could have happened to us.' The contestants traversed areas of China, Nepal and India, covering more than 14,000km over 51 days. The teams will reunite for a special episode airing at 9pm on Wednesday June 18 on BBC One where they will reflect on the race and the impact it has had on their lives. All eight episodes of Race Across The World are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.