...but we've heard that before

Peter Kay has hinted that Phoenix Nights could return – as a film.

The comic told fans: ‘People always ask, "Will there be more Phoenix Nights?" and I can now confirm that there won’t – but I am thinking of this film.’

His comments came in a prerecorded announcement shown at a screening of the classic sitcom in London at the weekend.

It is not the first time the idea of a movie has been mooted.

Kay first raised the notion in 2005, saying: ‘I've got enough funny stuff, and then off we go again. I’m thinking of doing a film.’

In 2011, he spoke of the idea again, following the success of The Inbetweeners big-screen outing.

He said he had been approached by producers, and had a script ready to go, saying: ‘‘It's written, I've written it. It's done. They've even asked me, with this Inbetweeners film, if you want to make a film of it.’

But  co-star Paddy McGuinness poured cold water on the movie rumours four years ago, saying bluntly: ‘That’s not happening, let me tell you.’

Kay’s latest comments, as reported in The Sun, came at a 19th anniversary screening of Phoenix Nights at the Eventim Apollo in West London, which raised money for Cancer Research UK.

Published: 6 Jan 2020