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.
“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
Beloved Manc butty shop Bada Bing set for a sensational return to the city centre
Danny Jones
Sandwich lovers rejoice because one of the finest butty shops to ever grace Manchester is returning: that’s right, Bada Bing is bada-back!
The Sopranos-inspired deli and sandwich shop that took its name from one of the central locations featured in the iconic US drama (yes, the strip club), was a huge success when it first opened in Manchester a few short years ago, so it was a huge blow when it closed in February 2022.
Starting out by serving sandwiches out of a window at The B Lounge pub on Paton Street near Piccadilly, before moving to a small kitchen on Radium Street and eventually setting up their stall inside Ancoats General Store, they would regularly have lines around the block every lunchtime.
These Italian-American sarnies were so popular you’d often struggle to get your claws on one – and believe us, they really are a two-handed task – as they’d sell out on what felt like most days. But now, whether you were a regular or someone who missed out, there is hope once again:
Announcing their sensational return to a new site over in the Northern Quarter, which will now mark the fourth premises they’ve popped up at, Bada Bing is back with a bang and, as you can, they dropped the news with one of the best reveal videos we’ve ever seen.
If you know, you know…
Set to take over 125 Oldham Street, owners Sam Gormally and Meg Lingenfelter haven’t yet graced us with an opening date but the new unit should hopefully be open sooner rather than later.
The duo, who previously worked at fellow NQ favourite Another Heart to Feed, came up with the concept during lockdown and it didn’t take long for the idea to take off, nor for them to earn their spot amongst the very best sandwich places in Manchester.
Seriously, these things were so big and unwieldy (in the best way possible) that they even used to come with eating instructions: both hands and the trademark Tony Soprano hunch recommended, though the slightly stained wife-beater, boxer shorts and open dressing gown look is optional.
From slices of provolone cheese, all the thinly sliced Italian meats you could think of and the closest thing to actual ‘gabagool‘ as you’ll find in Greater Manchester, the menu was fitting of being served up to the iconic characters that once sat outside Satriale’s and a big approving grin from the man himself.
Simply put, we cannot wait and we will certainly keep you posted when we find out exactly when Bada Bing confirms their official reopening date.
Will Mellor’s new BBC documentary about real-life Post Office scandal victims airs tonight
Emily Sergeant
A new BBC documentary about real-life victims from the Post Office scandal fronted by Will Mellor is hitting TV screens tonight.
As the country finally starts to wake up to the full scale of the Post Office scandal – which involved the British postal service pursuing thousands of innocent subpostmasters for apparent financial shortfalls caused by faults in an accounting software system between 1999 and 2015 – actor Will Mellor is on a mission to find out what happened to the real-life sub-postmasters in this new BBC documentary.
The Stockport-born actor famously played the part of Lee Castleton in the ITV drama, Mr Bates vs the Post Office, and says he feels a “real affinity” will the families he spoke to for the programme.
For the new documentary and accompanying five-part BBC Sounds podcast series – which is titled Surviving the Post Office – Will actually speaks to Mr Castleton himself, as well as four other affected people and their families whose lives have been “torn apart”.
Will Mellor has fronted a new BBC documentary about real-life Post Office scandal victims / Credit: ITV
Surviving the Post Office ventures to all four corners of England, including East Yorkshire, County Durham, Lincolnshire, West Sussex, and Cornwall, as Will discovers that many of the sub-postmasters want to “take back control of their lives”.
According to the BBC, for some facing the past, that proves to be a “troubling experience”, while for others, it ends up being a “liberating” step forwards.
As well as exploring the financial losses for many, including the people featured in the documentary and podcast series, Will also gets to find out how they are coping with their emotions, trying to move on from the whole ordeal, and how the victims are finding support in unexpected ways.
📢 Actor Will Mellor meets the real-life victims of the Post Office scandal in a brand new documentary from BBC Local
Surviving The Post Office is coming to @BBCOne and @BBCiPlayer tonight at 8.30pm. The podcast series is on @BBCSounds now
“I feel a real affinity with these families, so it was a privilege to hear their stories for this documentary and podcast,” Will said ahead of the documentary airing on BBC One.
“What shocked me the most after meeting so many sub-postmasters is just how far the impact and trauma has spread – the effect it’s had on people’s health, their children, and their whole communities has been massive.”