Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith to return in 2019

Inside No 9 is to return for a fifth series next year, the BBC has announced.

The announcement comes after the fourth series attracted its best ever ratings, with 1.81million viewers having seen the opening episode, set in Hotel Zanzibar, when catchup viewers are taken into account.

Bernie Clifton's Dressing Room, about washed-up double act Cheese & Crackers, attracted 1.6million, and Once Removed, a story of a home removal told in reverse chronology, attracted 1.76million.

In a statement, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith said: ‘Having tried and failed to convince the BBC to produce a full Cheese & Crackers series (or at the very least a Summertime Special), we have reluctantly agreed to do another series of Inside No. 9. 

‘We will once again attempt to trick, tickle and terrify you - but not necessarily all at once. Unless there’s a twist. Which there won’t be. Or will there? 

‘Huge thanks to BBC Comedy and BBC Studios for their continued support, and to our loyal fans for continuing to spread the word.’

This year, Inside No. 9 scooped the Writers’ Guild Award for the Best TV Situation Comedy and was named Comedy Of The Year by readers of the British Comedy Guide.

BBC controller of comedy commissioning, Shane Allen, added: ‘Reece and Steve continue to dazzle, shock and knock audiences for six with their uniquely layered storytelling craftsmanship which attracts the cream of British acting talent. 

‘There is not a more distinctive or ambitious comedy show being made anywhere in the world right now as week in, week out they create whole new worlds and sets of characters which have instant impact.’

And BBC Two controller Patrick Holland added: ‘Inside No. 9 is peerless comedy. Reece and Steve’s writing continues to shock, surprise and entertain in a way that is utterly unique. I am thrilled that the series is returning to Two next year, it is a vital part of our mix of comedy on the channel.’

Guest stars over the previous four series have included Rory Kinnear,  Sheridan Smith, Jack Whitehall, Alison Steadman and Gemma Arterton.

The final episode in series four airs at 10pm tonight (read our preview here with, we hope minimum spoilers).

Published: 6 Feb 2018