Little Britain

Little Britain initially appeared as a radio show, produced by Edward Flinn, which ran on BBC Radio 4 from 2000 until 2002.

Radio 4 began a rerun of all nine episodes in February 2004 (which were slightly edited for content to suit the 6:30 pm timeslot). Unusually, this overlapped with a rerun, beginning in mid-March, of the first five programmes on the digital radio channel BBC 7. In June–July 2004 BBC 7 broadcast the remaining four.

It was announced in October 2019 that the series would return for a one-off radio special, titled Little Brexit, on BBC Radio 4 on 31 October 2019.[3]

Lou Todd and Andy Pipkin, recurring characters in the series

Like several other BBC comedies (such as Dead Ringers and The Mighty Boosh), Little Britain made the transition from radio to television. All the episodes for the series were filmed at Pinewood Studios. Much of the TV material was adapted from the radio version, but with more emphasis on recurring characters and catchphrases.

Series One, 2003

The first TV series was one of the new programmes in the launch line-up for digital channel BBC Three, the replacement for BBC Choice, which launched in February 2003. As a result of its success, the first series was repeated on the more widely available BBC Two. Although reactions were mixed, many critics were enthusiastic, and the programme was commissioned for another run. Part of the series was filmed in Kent at Herne Bay - Emily Howard the Lady, and the Lou and Andy sketches.[4]

Series Two, 2004

The second series, featuring several new characters, began on BBC Three on 19 October 2004. Its continued popularity meant the repeats moved to BBC One, starting on 3 December 2004. The episodes were edited for their BBC One run, to cut out any material that might have been too offensive for the more mainstream BBC One audience.

Series Three, 2005

A third series began on 17 November 2005, for the first time on BBC One and not BBC Three, and ended six weeks later. After its transmission, it was unclear whether there would be another, as many sketches were given dramatic twists and "wrapped up" — (see individual character articles). Lucas and Walliams were reportedly in talks for a fourth series with the BBC. Furthermore, they admitted in an interview they preferred to "kill off" certain characters in order to make way for new ones.

Little, Little Britain, 2005

In 2005, to raise money for Comic Relief, Walliams and Lucas made a special edition of the show, dubbed Little, Little Britain. The episode included a variety of sketches with celebrities including George Michael, Robbie Williams and Sir Elton John. This was released on a limited edition DVD and was released in the United States as Little, Little Britain on the region 1 version of the Little Britain: Series 2 DVD.

Little Britain Abroad, 2006

In 2006, a two-part Christmas special was released, in which characters from the programme were depicted as visiting other countries.

As a success of the television series, Lucas and Walliams created a travelling stage show based upon their series.

Comic Relief Does Little Britain Live, 2007

A special live version, featuring appearances from celebrities such as Russell Brand and Dennis Waterman was filmed in 2006 and appeared on 2007's Comic Relief show.

In 2007, Matt Lucas and David Walliams announced that there would be no more of the British Little Britain, but they taped an American continuation of the programme entitled Little Britain USA, which featured both returning characters from the British series as well as new American characters. According to David Walliams, the new show was "effectively Little Britain series four".[5] The show debuted on HBO at 10:30 pm EST Sunday 28 September 2008, then the following week on BBC One in Britain. It also started airing on The Comedy Network in Canada in January 2010.

The first Little Britain Comic Relief special, with the usual cast and guests appearences from George Michael, Elton John, and Robbie Williams.

The Little Britain cast return for a second Comic Relief Special, this time live and with special guests: Russell Brand, Kate Moss, Patsy Kensit, Jonathan Ross, Kate Thornton, Chris Moyles, Dennis Waterman, Peter Kay, David Baddiel, Jeremy Edwards, and Dawn French.

Crossover between the UK and USA versions. Guest appearances were Catherine Tate and Robbie Williams. Last episode to feature Matt Lucas.

David Walliams reprises the role of Lou Todd for Comic Relief. Guest stars include Stephen Hawking and Catherine Tate. Matt Lucas does not feature.

The latest instalment of the series. Features David Walliams reprise the role of Emily Howard. Matt Lucas does not feature.

The one-off special was broadcast on 31 October 2019 on BBC Radio 4 [6].The concept was created due to Brexit, the UK's withdrawal from the EU. Original Cast members Matt Lucas and David Walliams returned for the One-off special.

The concept was revived for The Big Night In, a 23 April 2020 telethon held during the COVID-19 pandemic, in a skit which had the pair revisiting a number of characters.[7] Social distancing requirements meant that they appeared in separate video feeds from their own homes, and used improvised costumes.[8]