The League of Gentlemen turn down BBC TV series but eye new project
Shearsmith suggests new series would be with different characters
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The League of Gentlemen have revealed how they declined the offer of a new series as they were offended by how the BBC only seemed interested after a spike in fan interest.
"Conspicuously on the back of the interest in the fact that we were doing those charity sketches together, the BBC asked us, 'Would you like to do some more League of Gentlemen?'" Shearsmith told Digital Spy.
"We said no - not that way round. Not if the only reason is that you [now] think people might be interested."
The comedian's comments come after he teased a League reunion late last year, which ultimately turned out to be for live shows only.
Shearsmith did not rule out a new TV series altogether though, saying that he would like to do one at some point but that it would probably be with a different set of characters.
"Maybe not Royston Vasey - that would be the thing," he said. "I think it would be a new thing by me, Mark [Gatiss], Steve [Pemberton] and Jeremy [Dyson] - still The League of Gentlemen, but it wouldn't be those characters. It would be a new project, under the banner of us."
He voiced concerns about the potential new show however, fearing that it could wind up as a 'fifth-rate version of The League of Gentlemen".
"That's the danger now, isn't it?" mused Shearsmith. "People like it now - they have a fond memory of it. You don't want to spoil it by wandering on, decrepit, trying to do Pam Doove!"
Shearsmith and Pemberton's next series, Inside No 9, begins on BBC Two on Wednesday December 5th.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments