Written by sitcom's creators

Father Ted is to make a comeback – as a musical.

Original writer Graham Linehan has revealed that he is working on the stage show with co-creator Arthur Mathews.

And Neil Hannon, the Divine Comedy frontman who wrote the sitcom's theme tune, is working on the music.
 

Linehan  tweeted this morning  'Pope Ted—The Father Ted Musical written by Arthur Mathews and myself, music by Neil Hannon, is almost written. I just thought you’d like to know. THIS IS NOT A DRILL!"

He added that the comeback was 'the real final episode of Father Ted' more than 20 years after the show ended on Channel 4.

And responding to a fan who suspected the announcement might be bogus, he said: 'This is true and not one of my stupid jokes, I promise. Didn’t want to do something until the right idea came along. This was the right idea. Arthur and I have been laughing our arses off while writing it. Just like the old days.'

Casting has yet to be decided. 

Dermot Morgan, who had the title role, suffered a fatal heart attack on February 28, 1998 - just 24 hours after filming the  final episode. Frank Kelly, who played foul-mouthed Father Jack, died on the same date in 2016.

Linehan's announcement came a day after it was revealed that an Only Fools And Horses musical was also in the pipeline.

Published: 2 Jun 2018