UKTV has ordered a feature-length special (1×120’) of Red Dwarf for Dave from Baby Cow along with a series of retrospectives from North One.
Craig Charles, Chris Barrie, Danny John-Jules and Robert Llewellyn are back as Lister, Rimmer, The Cat and Kryten, in an all-new story written and directed by series co-creator Doug Naylor.
Craig Charles said: “I’m really excited to get back on board with the boys from the Dwarf. I can’t wait to discuss Robert’s prostate problems, Chris Barrie’s hip replacement and have a proper look at Danny’s new dentures whilst they marvel at the agelessness of the Charles physique. I will surely require the services of a chiropractor after dragging these doddering misfits through what promises to be our most epic adventure yet.”
Doug Naylor said: ‘I’m absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity of making more Red Dwarf. UKTV has been a never-ending source of support and encouragement since we first started working together ten years ago. Can’t wait to start shooting a format that I don’t think has ever been done before. Smoke me a kipper, we’re back and not just for breakfast.”
The special is produced by Richard Naylor. Christine Langan is executive producer for Baby Cow. The special will be filmed on location and at Pinewood in front of a live studio audience.
Dave has also commissioned a series of retrospectives (3×60’), which will offer fans the definitive story of the show from day one – over thirty years ago – right up to the present day. The Red Dwarf retrospectives are produced by North One and will include rare and un-broadcast material, as well as new interviews with cast and crew. The retrospectives are produced by Richard Ward and series produced by Chris Hill. Executive producer for North One is John Quinn.
The new Red Dwarf special and retrospectives are commissioned by Pete Thornton, UKTV head of scripted, and ordered for Dave by Richard Watsham, director of commissioning, and Steve North, genre general manager, comedy and entertainment.
Pete Thornton said: “Our relationship with Red Dwarf has been incredibly fruitful and satisfying so far and it’s been a real pleasure to see the cast and crew fully committed and seemingly enjoying themselves more than ever in the run up to this latest production. We’ve been talking to Doug and the team about how to take Red Dwarf forward and the special clearly offers us an exciting next step. It’s going to be a proper event in the history of the series – and with the show having now passed its thirtieth birthday, what better time to take a proper look back at its history via our retrospectives with North One.”
Luke Hales, Dave channel director, said: “I am a huge, life-long fan of Red Dwarf and I still re-watch it and re-read the books regularly to this day. So it goes without saying that it gives me huge pleasure to be a part of the team this time around. I am as excited about this one as a viewer as I am in my role as channel director on Dave. The episodes we’ve made for the channel so far have been brilliant, and what a way to welcome it back too, with a feature-length special and three-part look back at the show’s history. We at the Dave team literally cannot wait to bring this huge treat to our viewers.”
Staff Reporter
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