One of Channel 4is the most beloved comedy The shows may return to our screens soon.
More than two decades later Suck Pony aired its final episode, the original star Sally Phillips has revealed that the team has been offered a TV special, where they are already working on new skits.
The cult sketch show, which debuted in 1999, became an era-defining comedy thanks to the surreal humor and sharp satire of Phillips, Fiona Allen and Doon Mackichan.
Now, after years of fans hoping for a revival, it looks like the trio are finally getting another chance.
Appearing in Sunday lunch Selected points podcastPhillips confirmed that the long-awaited return is in the works.
“We’ve been offered a special, so we’re going to do a special,” she revealed.
The project follows the cast’s reunion last year Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where they reviewed the show in front of a live audience in a chat show format.
Phillips admitted she was surprised by the response. ‘It actually went well. “People came and loved it,” she said.
“It was amazing that these sketches I had done at the age of 27, people knew the lines by now. It was really touching.’
While fans can expect plenty of fresh material, the revival will also reunite many of the creative minds behind the original.
“There was a writers’ room of about six people, but anyone could submit and then we reworked and improvised,” Phillips explained.
For longtime viewers, the news will feel especially satisfying as the show’s creators spent years trying to bring it back.
In 2019, Mackichan revealed that the trio had already written new sketches and pitched a revival to broadcasters, only to be repeatedly turned down.
Speaking at the time, she admitted she feared the actor’s age had become a barrier. “It’s been really hard,” she told The i newspaper.
“We’ve played in a few places and it’s not happening. I don’t know if it’s old women, but it’s not happening, which is surprising to me.’
She added: “Think, how funny must that be?”
Fortunately for fans, attitudes seem to have changed.
While no air date has yet been announced, Phillips’ comments suggest that the special is no longer just a wishful project, but an active one, marking the first new Smack the Pony material since the series ended in 2003.
For a generation of comedy fans who can still quote her most memorable sketches line for line, this is likely to be very welcome news indeed.
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