A BIDDING war could break out between Channel 4 and the streaming giants after a reboot of The Inbetweeners took a step nearer.
The Sun exclusively revealed how the E4 show’s creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley have struck a new deal with production company Banijay UK which could lead to the four schoolmates reunited for more adventures.
All four of its lead stars are said to be keen for its return[/caption]
A new series or movie, which could be made and ready to air as early as next year, would be highly sought after and industry experts believe it may turn into a free for all.
Among those who could make a big-money bid might be Netflix who were already in the frame to snap up the farewell Christmas special of Gavin & Stacey before the BBC insisted they air it.
Meanwhile, the current head of content at Disney+, Angela Jain, might also be in the market for the reboot because she originally commissioned the coming-of-age comedy when it launched on Channel 4 in 2008.
Steven D Wright, TV producer and former Channel 4 entertainment commissioner, said: “The Inbetweeners is a guaranteed hit so there should be a bidding war between Channel 4 and streamers.
“The comedy of boys being idiots hasn’t aged over 20 years. It’s cast-iron telly gold and delivers the audience streamers want – the over-45s but also teenagers.
The big question is whether the streamers would allow some of the language that appeared in the original.
Wright said: “The Inbetweeners pushed the boundaries of taste and decency. Would Disney let the characters say ‘clunge’?”
The Sun exclusively revealed that The Inbetweeners is poised to return – with all four stars keen to reunite.
Creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley said: “It’s incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh, friends)”.
Actor Joe Thomas, 41, who played Simon said last year that the four main stars would all be keen to reboot the show.
Asked if conversations for a comeback had started, he said: “Yes, it’s happened in various forms.
“All of us feel it would be nice to do.”
He said all were still good mates and told a podcast: “We’re all still around.
“We’re all still in each other’s lives. We all still like each other.
“And if it was something that came up, I think we would want to do it.”
The Inbetweeners cast – where are they now?
THE Inbetweeners actor James Buckley has teased a secret cast meet up – but where are the TV stars now?
SIMON BIRD
He played everyone’s favourite geek (with a fit mum) Will McKenzie.
Simon, 40, then played Adam Goodman in the Channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner.
He also starred in British indie Film, You, Me and Him and made a (drunken) appearance on Drunk History.
JOE THOMAS
Joe played hapless Simon Cooper, known for his bad luck with the ladies and that dodgy 90s hairstyle.
He went on to star in student sitcom Fresh Meat and played a maths teacher in the second series of Threesome.
In 2017, Joe, now 40, landed a role in White Gold, a BBC2 comedy about double-glazing salesmen in the 80s.
BLAKE HARRISON
Blake, now 39, was the butt of all the jokes as Neil – but now he’s stretching his more dramatic muscles in other roles.
Since The Inbetweeners he has appeared in various other TV shows, including Way to Go, Him & Her, Big Bad World, The Bleak Old Shop of Stuff, Edge Of Heaven and The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret.
He also voiced Scoop in the reboot of Bob The Builder.
His film credits include Keeping Rosy, and the 2016 Dad’s Army reboot, in which he played Private Pike, Ian Lavender’s old character.
JAMES BUCKLEY
Jay was the lovable loudmouth of the foursome, who was as endearing as he was disgusting.
Actor James, now 37, has mainly stuck to comedy since the show, playing a young Del Boy in the short-lived Only Fools and Horses prequel, Rock and Chips.
He also starred in the music documentary parody Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping, which was the creation of Saturday Night Live music trio, The Lonely Island.
EMILY ATACK
The daughter of TV comic Kate Rob and musician Keith Atack, was 18 when she took on the role of Charlotte, the most popular girl in school.
The boys lusted after her and she tormented Jay with claims she’d had “11 lovers already” in one episode.
After The Inbetweeners, Emily put her skates on for a turn in Dancing On Ice, being eliminated eighth in series 5, along with partner Fred Palascak.
Various TV parts followed, including a role in the Only Fools and Horses spin off Rock and Chips, before she showed up in the 2016 film of Dad’s Army, playing Daphne.
She most famously came in second in 2018’s series of I’m a Celeb and is now a mum of one.
EMILY HEAD
The daughter of actor Anthony Head, who also appeared in The Inbetweeners as Will’s dad, Emily starred as Carli, the woman of Simon’s dreams.
She also starred in MI High, playing an evil mastermind in a bank scam, in 2010.
After the series ended Emily moved on to the stage, starring in a play at the Bristol Old Vic, but TV viewers will know her better for her move to ITV soap Emmerdale.
