TV & Showbiz

Will Mellor hints Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps could return – and they’ve already ‘got a script’

"I would do it just to say thank you for all the support to the people who loved the show."

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 22nd March 2023

Will Mellor has given fans a fresh hint that Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps could finally be making a long-awaited return.

And apparently, they’ve already “got a script” and are raring to go whenever.

The Stockport-born actor – who is best known for his role on the BBC sitcom, but has also appeared in Hollyoaks, Line of Duty, No Offence, and Broadchurch throughout his career, and is currently playing Harvey Gaskell on Manchester-based ITV soap Coronation Street – has revealed in an exclusive interview with the Daily Star this week that the beloved 00s show is ready for a comeback.

The 46-year-old told the paper that the show – which ran for nine series from 2001 to 2011 – could be set to return for a final series called ‘Two Pints: Last Orders’, and he believes it could “put a smile on the faces of everyone struggling” amid the rising cost of living crisis.

Written and created by Susan Nickson, and set in her hometown of Runcorn in Cheshire, Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps first aired on BBC Two back in 2001, and originally revolved around the lives of five twentysomethings played by Sheridan Smith, Natalie Casey, Ralf Little, and Kathryn Drysdale, alongside Mellor.

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Will Mellor hints Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps could return / Credit: BBC

The sitcom was not just loved by us northerners, but gained a cult-following of fans right across the UK, with millions tuning in to watch each series.

“Two Pints represented the working class who are really struggling at the moment,” Will told the Daily Star this week.

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“The reason why it lasted so long is because people loved it.

“We have got a script – Two Pints: Last Orders. If they wanted to make it, I would do it just to say thank you for all the support to the people who loved the show.”

Sadly though, despite huge popularity nationwide, on 23 July 2011, it was confirmed that Two Pints would end after its ninth series due to the BBC making room for new comedies, and the broadcaster’s feeling that the series had come to a natural end after the departures of most of the main cast members.

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The cast has apparently already ‘got a script’ ready to go / Credit: BBC

Because of this, Will further hinted to the Daily Star that another broadcaster may step in to take on the show if the BBC isn’t interested.

“Maybe, I don’t know,” he said.

“I just keep my head above water. I’m a self-employed actor, so we’ve got to keep moving with the times and keep doing what you have to do.

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“It’s a show that I loved and it was a massive part of my life and a big part of other people’s lives. Nostalgia is a big thing as well so why not bring it back? Even if it’s for a little one-off like they did with Gavin & Stacey.”

Featured Image – BBC

TV & Showbiz

A live Shaun the Sheep stage show and circus is coming to Manchester

Danny Jones Danny Jones Shaun the Sheep live circus and stage show Manchester tickets

Brace yourselves, because one of the best fun-for-all-ages events is coming to Manchester: the official Shaun the Sheep stage and circus show is coming to Factory International.

This isn’t just one to keep the children entertained; we already know plenty of big kids who grew up on Shaun, Shirley, and the rest of the sheep are already thinking about grabbing tickets.

Created by Nick Park, the same man responsible for Wallace and Gromit, this live stage production and incredibly practical circus show of the beloved British cartoon is already critically acclaimed.

Now set to make its full European debut right here in our city, Shaun the Sheep’s Circus Show teams up with leading performance company Circa to bring the TV show to life this winter.

‘It’s gonna be un-BAAA-leivable’.

Conceived not only by the award-winning minds at Aardman Animation, but the experienced performers at Circa, this ‘in the flesh’ (and wool) interpretation of the slapstick CBBC classic will not only delight younger audiences, but bring plenty of energy to keep the adults entertained too.

Promising a “live circus performance, simultaneously blurring the lines between movement, dance, theatre and circus for a visual spectacle packed with wit”, you can expect acrobatics and circus skills.

Stunts will include the likes of tumbling, juggling, aerial hoop, aerial silks, trapeze, Spanish web and Chinese pole, just to name a few.

And, of course, there’ll be plenty of Aardman’s signature heartwarming comedy in W&G, Chicken Run, Arthur Christmas, Flushed Away and more.

Naturally, all the usual suspects will be on show to: Shaun, Bitzer, The Farmer and the rest of the Flock – and yes, in case the trailer didn’t give it away, they are people who are not just dressed up as adorable real-life lambs but bouncing, flipping and flying all over the stage.

Coming to Aviva Studios this festive period, it’ll be taking place in The Hall: one of the venue’s largest and most dynamic rooms, with the state-of-the-art building famously able to alter the size of individual stages and spaces depending on the event.

John McGrath, Artistic Director and Chief Executive of Factory International, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Circa and Aardman to present the European premiere of this fun-filled show at our home in Aviva Studios.

“Circa presents award-winning circus performances to audiences across the globe, and their collaboration with Aardman Studios creates a unique offering for families, circus fans and everyone who loves Shaun the Sheep“

Running from Tuesday, 11 December 2025 until Sunday, 4 January 2026, they’ve also ensured affordable admission from just £10; you can grab your tickets now.

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Featured Images — Press shots (supplied)

TV & Showbiz

IDLES frontman Joe Talbot set for ’10 Songs That Made Me’ interview at AO Arena

Danny Jones Danny Jones Joe Talbot 10 Songs That Made Me podcast interview Manchester AO Arena tickets

Cult favourite frontman Joe Talbot of IDLES fame is set to for an eye-opening sit-down interview as part of AO Arena’s ’10 Songs That Made Me’ series.

The lead singer of the politically-charged post-punk band will be joining the in-conversation event opposite BBC 6 Music host and popular radio host, full stop, Chris Hawkins.

Having often drifted into hardcore, art rock and even spoken word at times, Joe Talbot and co. have become known for the cutting lyricism and insightful songwriting in general, so we can only assume that diving into his own musical influences will be just as riveting.

Joining his fellow audophile on stage at the city’s legendary live music and entertainment venue this November, Talbot and Hawkins will be running through the tracks that quite literally helped create the musician we know today.

According to the AO, the arena will host an in-depth chat with the provocative 41-year-old artist as he walks Chris Hawkins through “the most important musical chapters of his life, his stunning musical journey from resident DJ at one of Bristol’s hottest clubs, through to headlining Glastonbury festival.”

It is quite the career he’s had when you break it down.

They go on to promise “raw honesty and trademark wit” as Joe reflects on the record, acts and cultural moments that shaped him as a young performer before breaking onto the scene with IDLES.

As for the ’10 Songs That Made Me’ series itself, it may be what it says on the tin, but most interestingly, being in the crowd and hearing it from each different group/individual changes the experience entirely.

“More than a story of success—it’s a journey of resilience, passion, and community”, they go on to add. “Expect an evening of candid conversation, unexpected anecdotes, and deep dives into the music that has not only defined Joe’s career but also resonated with millions around the world.

If you’re fans of the band or Talbot, in particular, you’ll already know they’re great orators; plus, if you caught even a small clip from his own fledgling Oh Gatekeeper podcast, you’ll know he loves nothing more than diving deep into tunes that shape not just the audio landscape but people at their core.

Just casually getting the lead singer of The Strokes on for in the first season, as you do…

On a personal note, we’ve watched the IDLES x Grammy Museum interview on multiple ocassions at this point, and know how much artistry there is behind everything they do.

The same goes for Talbot, specifically – there’s no doubt about that.

If you’re interested in being part of the audience for Joe Talbot’s in conversation event with Chris Hawkins as part of ’10 Songs That Made Me’, tickets for the date at AO Arena on Tuesday, 25 November are live now, and you can grab yours via Skiddle right HERE.

Last but not least, special mention goes to the interviewing expert himself, whose recent chat with Tim Burgess about The Charlatans getting back into the studio is also well worth a listen.

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For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Press shot (supplied)

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