BBC confirms return of legendary show after 20 years off screen

THE BBC has confirmed the return of a legendary show after 20 years off screen.

Ahead of this year’s Comic Relief, it has been revealed that a beloved comedy will be making a comeback.

Richard Curtis joined Gary Davies – who is sitting in for Zoe Ball this week – on the Radio 2 Breakfast Show this morning.

As part of their conversation, Richard confirmed that Blackadder will be returning for Comic Relief 2023.

Gary said: “What’s happening on the telly show..? You were telling me something about Blackadder…?”

Richard, 66, replied: “God I’m really nervous about saying this but… For the first time in 20 years, Baldrick is going to be giving some kind of performance.

“We’re just conspiring about it now, so I think there’s going to be a marvellous, turnip-based thing with Tony Robinson now back in action, so I’m excited about that.”

Gary asked: “With Rowan [Atkinson]?”

Richard replied with a laugh: “No, Rowan’s far too serious to do any of that!”

While the finer details still need to be worked out, Blackadder fans will be delighted to see one of the iconic characters return after such a long time off screen.

Blackadder starred Rowan, Tony, Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Tim McInnerny and Miranda Richardson.

The first series aired in 1983 and ran for four seasons before coming to an end in 1989.

Each series was set in a different period of British history, beginning in 1485 and ending in 1917 with Blackadder Goes Forth.

The last time a Blackadder character appeared on screen was in 2020 during Comic Relief’s Big Night In amid the Covid 19 pandemic.

It saw Stephen reprise his role as Lord Melchett, Head of the Royal Household, under lockdown at Melchett Manor, to help Prince William deal with educating his children via Zoom.

Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day takes place on Friday, March 17.