Stars of classic noughties comedy reunite for new TV series 23 years after sitcom first hit screens
TWO Pints Of Lager And A Packet Of Crisps besties Will Mellor and Ralf Little are reuniting for a new series – this time with a grown-up twist.
I can reveal they have teamed up for Will And Ralf Should Know Better, for U&Dave.
With their friendship now spanning three decades, the lads hope to uncover how to better navigate life as middle-aged men in their forties.
Each themed episode of the new show will see the pair face a series of encounters and challenges.
It tests their attitudes on experiences ranging from embracing spirituality and facing fears of ageing, to discovering the perils of living off grid with no toilet paper.
The duo first appeared alongside each other when Two Pints launched on BBC Two in 2001.
A source said: “A lot has changed for Will and Ralf since Two Pints — they were 25 and 21 when they met.
“But they have stayed great pals throughout and that really comes across in the intimate, frank conversations they have along the way.
“They’ve got their joint podcast, but it will be nostalgic for Two Pints fans to see them on telly.
“It will also re-introduce the fellas to those who now know Ralf better as Death In Paradise’s DI Neville Parker, and Will from Strictly and as Corrie’s Harvey Gaskell.”
Will and Ralf Should Know Better will air on U&Dave and stream on U later this year.
Ralf said: “I am thrilled to be working with Will again as it’s always so much fun.
“This time we get to explore how we should be living in the modern world while educating ourselves, and having a laugh at the same time.”
Will added: “I’ve wanted to do a series like this for years.
“Going on a journey with Ralf to open our minds and push our limits . . . what could possibly go wrong?
“We’re both in our forties and probably a bit set in our ways, so now is the perfect time to see how we could be doing life better.
“Hopefully, we’ll come out of it better equipped for the modern world and, ideally, still in one piece.”
Sew like Anna
THE Great British Sewing Bee looks more like The Met Gala as Divas’ Week gets under way.
Judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young, along with the BBC One show’s host Kiell Smith-Bynoe, turn into Anna Wintour to introduce the challenges tonight.
And much like the formidable Vogue editor-in-chief, who is famous for her bob haircut and shades, they look ready to pass judgment next to the fashion runway.
The quarter-final tasks will take the remaining contestants on a journey through time, inspired by music divas including Elton John and Mariah Carey.
The Pattern Challenge is influenced by Tina Turner’s fringe dress, while the Transformation Challenge focuses on animal print and something artists could slip into in the recording studio.
Finally, in the Made To Measure section, they must choose a stage outfit for their favourite musical performer, who include Beyonce and Lady Gaga.
Kid yoga is latest Sky move
A YOGA instructor and YouTube favourite will guide children through routines in a new Sky Kids show.
Jaime Amor leads them on a journey of story, song and easy moves in Yoga Adventures.
She will be joined by a series of animal characters along the way, to help encourage young viewers to take part and get moving.
It is one of a range of new children’s programming for the broadcaster, including spin-off series Emerald, based on the fairy series Isadora Moon.
This time, the story follows a rebellious mermaid princess.
Other titles include comedy animation Ten Little . . . Who?, Awesome Animals And Mini Me, and 123 Number Squad.
A weird trip for Jamali
JAMALI MADDIX had a culture shock travelling in Colombia for his new U&Dave series.
In four-parter Follow The Leader later this year, the Never Mind The Buzzcocks panellist travels to some of the most radicalised and ostracised groups, from religious cults to political movements.
Of Colombia, he told Russel Howard’s Wonderbox podcast: “It’s a beautiful country, lovely people, but when it gets bad, it goes badly quickly.
“I sound like an old man, but they do weird drugs.
“This pink thing, they’re all sniffing it, and the rate of how cheap it is, I can understand why western guys go there.
“I’m not a journalist, I am just always curious, but it’s a wild place.”
Richard up for murder
THE FILM adaptation of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club has recruited another big name to complete its cast.
Richard E Grant is the latest to join the ensemble, which includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, David Tennant and Ben Kingsley.
Saltburn actor Richard also joins Kingsman actor Geoff Bell, Raiders Of The Lost Ark’s Paul Freeman, Ted Lasso’s Sarah Niles and Doctor Who actress Ingrid Oliver.
Filming is already under way for the Netflix movie, which follows a group of friends in a retirement home who gather to solve murder mysteries for fun.
Ex-spy Elizabeth, former psychiatrist Ibrahim, retired union activist Ron and ex-nurse Joyce then find themselves caught up in a real-life case.
The film is expected to launch on the streaming service in 2025.
BANGERS And Cash is back with new episodes next month.
Auto auctions boss Derek Mathewson returns with the gang as they put a range of classic vehicles and memorabilia under the hammer.
The new series includes the 100th episode and will air from August 1 on U&Yesterday.