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
Manchester institution ‘a little emotional’ after receiving a visit from rock icon Hayley Williams
Daisy Jackson
Rock icon Hayley Williams has been spotted shopping at Manchester institution Afflecks.
The legendary independent retail emporium said it was ‘feeling a little emotional’ after its halls were graced with rock royalty.
And not only did the Paramore frontwoman and acclaimed solo singer-songwriter come for a browse, she even gave Afflecks a shout-out on stage later that night.
Hayley Williams headlined two solo shows at Manchester Academy on Monday and Tuesday this week.
The shows are in support of her third studio album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.
And despite being known globally as one of music’s best lead vocalists, this is actually Hayley Williams’ first solo tour (her previous dates were cancelled because of Covid).
While on stage in front of fans last night, she said: “I’ve learnt some Mancunian, and I’ve been to Afflecks!”
It sounds like she’s as lovely as she is legendary, with Afflecks saying that the star hung around to chat and take photos.
Sharing photos of the star inside the building, Afflecks wrote: “So a very special visitor stopped by Afflecks yesterday…
“A huge thank you to Hayley Williams for taking the time to visit us, say hello, and pose for a photo. She was so super lovely, kind, and welcoming, and to top it all off she even gave Afflecks a shout-out during last night’s show.
“Safe to say we’re feeling a little emotional about it. Thank you again Hayley for supporting Manchester’s small businesses.”
Prestigious Edinburgh TV Festival to move to Manchester for first time in 50 years
Emily Sergeant
Greater Manchester will become the new host city for the TV Festival from 2027 onwards it was announced today.
For the first time in five decades, following an extensive consultation and competitive bidding process – which was launched in 2025 – the prestigious festival is set to move from its home in the Scottish capital of Edinburgh to our region from 2027 onwards, beating out other major northern cities like Newcastle in the process.
As part of a UK-wide strategic review into the event’s long-term future, the Festival’s board of directors say the review was undertaken in order to ‘examine how the TV Festival could continue to grow’ amid increasing challenges around accessibility, affordability, and sustainability across the television industry.
Greater Manchester‘s ‘successful and comprehensive’ bid included commitments around affordability, infrastructure, industry partnership, and long-term growth potential.
Plans include holding the Festival in locations in the newly developed St. John’s creative and cultural district.
“Greater Manchester presented a vision for the Festival that combined genuine creative ambition and future-facing energy with practical accessibility and affordability for delegates,” commented Campbell Glennie, who is the CEO of the TV Festival and The TV Foundation.
“This means we can radically reduce the costs associated with attending the Festival as well as the cost of passes.
“The city reflects the expanding ambition of the UK television industry, while still offering the scale, connectivity and unique cultural identity needed for an event of this significance – it gives us the strongest platform to grow the Festival’s reach and impact in the years ahead.”
Cllr Bev Craig, who is the Leader of Manchester City Council, said being chosen as TV Festival hosts is ‘brilliant news’ for Greater Manchester, adding: “It speaks to the growth, success and strength of our screen sector in the city region and the strong partnerships and talent we have here.”
The final Edinburgh edition of the TV Festival will take place this August, and dates and further details for the TV Festival in 2027 will be shared later this year.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd March 2023 
