“Lost” Pilot Episode to be broadcast on UK TV.

Update 27/04/23: While the exact broadcast dates have not yet been confirmed, Gold have stated that the new commissions will air the week of the anniversary, 15th June.

TV channel Gold is set to mark the 40th anniversary of the iconic British sitcom Blackadder with two new documentaries that offer insights into the making of the show. The channel will air Blackadder: The Lost Pilot and Blackadder: A Cunning Story, as well as episodes from all four series of the show.

In Blackadder: The Lost Pilot, Sir Tony Robinson (who played Baldrick in the show) takes viewers on a personal journey to uncover the story of the never-before-broadcast 1982 pilot episode which interestingly didn’t star Sir Tony in the now iconic role of Baldrick. Robinson speaks with series co-creator Richard Curtis and writer Ben Elton (who joined from Season 2 onwards), among other comedy greats, to learn more about where the show really began. The climax of the program will be a special screening of the lost pilot.

Robinson has described his journey of discovery as “wonderful”, stating that Blackadder holds a special place in his heart and in the nation’s heart. He is delighted to be a part of the 40th-anniversary celebrations on Gold, and to chat with some of the biggest names in comedy who made it all happen.

The second documentary, Blackadder: A Cunning Story, features contributions from Jack Whitehall, Sarah Hadland, Ardal O’Hanlon, Nina Wadia, and other “biggest fans” of the show. It takes a look back at the making of the entire Blackadder series, commemorating the 40th anniversary. The program promises to offer fascinating insights into how this legendary series was made and why it still stands up today. As one of the biggest fans of the show, having appeared in previous Blackadder TV specials on both Gold and BBC1, and as someone that has been running a Blackadder website since 1997, and probably the original online source for information about the pilot episode, I’m a bit disheartened not to have been asked to appear as I’ve certainly had conversations with someone from the production team about this very programme.

Aside from the two new documentaries, Gold will also air episodes from all four series of Blackadder throughout June, with the new commissions airing during the week of the anniversary, from June 15th. Gerald Casey, UKTV’s channel director, described Blackadder as “beloved by our Gold audience and still going strong on the channel.” Casey added that Gold viewers could expect “big laughs guaranteed.”

Blackadder fans have been eagerly awaiting news of new content, with the show having last aired in 1989. The lost pilot episode is particularly exciting for fans, as while it has been viewable online for many years and information about the episode has been on this very website since before the millennium, the new documentaries promise to offer a unique insight into the making of the series, including interviews with key cast and crew members.

Gold’s celebration of Blackadder’s 40th anniversary is sure to be a treat for fans of the show, as well as for anyone interested in the history of British comedy. With its clever writing, unforgettable characters, and enduring popularity, Blackadder is a true icon of British television.

Baldrick Returns for Comic Relief 2023

Fans of the classic British sitcom Blackadder were thrilled to learn that one of the show’s most beloved characters, Baldrick, will be making a return for this year’s Comic Relief. Sir Tony Robinson, who played the bumbling servant in all four seasons of the show, has confirmed that he will be donning the iconic ragged clothes once again to raise money for charity.

The announcement has caused quite a stir on social media, with fans expressing their excitement at the prospect of seeing Baldrick back on screen. For many, the character is an essential part of the Blackadder canon, and his return will be a welcome dose of nostalgia for those who grew up watching the show.

So, what can we expect from Baldrick’s return? Details are currently scarce, but Robinson has hinted that the character will be involved in a skit that will be shown during the Comic Relief telethon. He has also suggested that the sketch may involve other members of the Blackadder cast, although he has not revealed who these might be.

For fans of the show, the prospect of seeing Baldrick back in action is a tantalising one. The character was a constant source of comic relief throughout the show’s run, with his hare-brained schemes and endless optimism providing a perfect foil to the witticisms of the more erudite characters. From his famous “cunning plan” catchphrase to his memorable turn as a war poet in the final season, Baldrick was always a highlight of the show.

Of course, the return of Baldrick is not just a chance for fans to relive their favourite moments from Blackadder. It is also an opportunity to raise money for a good cause. Comic Relief is a UK-based charity that aims to tackle poverty and social injustice in the UK and around the world. Since its inception in 1985, it has raised over £1 billion for various charitable causes, making it one of the most successful fundraising initiatives in history.

Robinson has been a vocal supporter of Comic Relief for many years, and his decision to bring back Baldrick is just the latest in a long line of efforts to raise money for the charity. In the past, he has taken part in various fundraising activities, including a celebrity version of the TV quiz show Mastermind, and a charity bike ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

For fans of Blackadder, the return of Baldrick is a chance to relive some of the show’s most memorable moments and see one of their favourite characters back on screen. But more than that, it is an opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause and make a difference to people’s lives. As the Comic Relief telethon approaches, fans of the show will no doubt be eagerly anticipating the return of their favourite servant and the chance to make a donation to a charity that has been changing lives for over 30 years. Red Nose day returns on Friday March 17th 2023 and is broadcast on BBC One from 7pm.

To find out more about the fantastic work that Comic Relief does and to grab yourself a fundraising pack, head on over to here!

Baldrick Actor Poo-Poos Blackadder Revival

Hot on the heels of the recent ‘announcement’ that Blackadder would return for a fifth series or a special, Baldrick actor Sir Tony of Robinson has poo-poo’d this rumor stating that it isn’t true (in a roundabout way).

Taking to Twitter, and responding to a another’s ‘tweet’ referencing the Blackadder revival and something about football that WAS true,  Tony said “One of these rumours is probably true, the other isn’t!!”

So, there you have it; it comes as no surprise to any hardcore Blackadder fan that there isn’t going to be a revival. Of course, if that changes, you’ll read about it here.

Stand down everyone!

A Blackadder Revival on the Cards?

The Sun is reporting that four of the cast members recently met up in London to discuss the idea of doing a Blackadder (series or special not confirmed) set in a modern University. The idea of Blackadder being a grumpy old uni lecturer has been mentioned in the past, but this recent meet up (if indeed there was a meet up) does add some weight to the story that Blackadder may be coming back once more.

In the coming days, weeks etc. expect more and more news stories proclaiming that the Blackadder gang are getting back together. Until it is officially announced, please file this under ‘rumour and speculation’. I’ve reached out to two of those at the ‘meeting’ for confirmation and I’ll update the post if/when I receive a reply.


Original Source: The Sun

ROWAN Atkinson has told pals he is “extremely excited” about a planned return of cult comedy Blackadder.

Atkinson, 64, is set to team up again with co-stars including Tony Robinson, Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.

It had been reported they would consider a one-off show but sources said a full fifth series was being considered.

The BBC show ran for four seasons from 1983 to 1989, with each set in a different period of history. The new instalment would be set in the modern era.

Edmund Blackadder — accompanied again by dogsbody Baldrick, played by Robinson, 72 — would be a university lecturer.

We can reveal the stars agreed on a return after a meeting at London members’ club Soho House.

A source said: “They were all having a great laugh and they are all old friends. So they just said, ‘Yes, let’s do it’. It is being written now.

Rowan has been saying he is extremely excited.”

When World War One-themed Blackadder Goes Forth ended in 1989, co-writers Richard Curtis and Ben Elton said there would be no more.

But since then there has been a Comic Relief skit and a Christmas special.

Richard Curtis teases “gorgeous” Reunion

Blackadder co-creator and bloody good egg Richard Curtis is currently doing the press tour for his latest movie Yesterday (which he wrote) – it’s about a guy from East Enders who sings songs by The Beatles (I know, I’m really selling it). I haven’t seen it yet, but I’ve been told it’s very good and will be popping along to my local multi-screen cinemaplex soon. Anyhoo, as is usual when anyone remotely linked to Blackadder is interviewed, talk often if not always digresses to Blackadder and whether or not there will be another series etc. Richard said he was keen to see Rowan and Tony do one more, even if it was for a ten minute skit (we’ve had a few of them over the years). As per usual, these kind of things should be taken with a grain of salt; they have in the past amounted to nothing.


Original source: Radio Times

Richard Curtis tickled our nostalgia when he briefly brought back Love Actually and Four Weddings – and now he has plans to do the same for Blackadder.

The filmmaker is keen to see the “gorgeous” reunion of Rowan Atkinson and Tony Robinson, who played Edmund Blackadder and Baldrick, respectively, in the pseudo-historical comedy.

Curtis revealed plans to Radio Times, saying he would love to see an older Blackadder hating on young people.

“The thing about Blackadder was, it was a young man’s show criticising older people, saying how stupid those in authority were,” he told the publication.

“So I did once think: ‘If we ever did anything again, it should be Blackadder as a teacher in a university, about how much we hate young people!’”

Teasing plans for a live show, he said: “I’m always hoping Rowan and I will do one last live show and bring on Blackadder for a 10-minute bit.

“Getting Rowan and Tony Robinson on stage together again would be gorgeous.”

Written by Curtis and Atkinson, Blackadder ran for four series on the BBC from 1983 to 1989, plotting through history from the reign of Richard III to the First World War.

The show, which came second in a BBC poll of the best British sitcoms, spawned a handful of other spin-offs including a Comic Relief special in 1988 and comedy film Blackadder: Back and Forth in 2000.

Darling reveals why Blackadder will NEVER return

While, most people would love for the gang to get back together for one last hurrah, Captain Darling actor Tim McInnerny, believes the show shouldn’t be revived and that it should remain the classic that is; without a fifth series that could tarnish its classic status. The ending to a series doesn’t get any better than the emotional finale to Blackadder Goes Forth so why poo-poo on it.


Original Source: Express Website

BLACKADDER’S Captain Darling believes any cunning plan to bring back the much-loved sitcom would flop because the cast are too old.

Tim McInnerny, 62, said the viewing public “don’t want to see those characters being 30 years older”. The actor has revealed he’s not a fan of reuniting the famous Blackadder team of Rowan Atkinson, Hugh Laurie, Ben Elton, Richard Curtis, Stephen Fry and Sir Tony Robinson. Captain Darling and Fry’s General Melchett shared some of the funniest scenes in the show which ran for four series, together within main characters Baldrick and Blackadder.

He said: “One of the things that is interesting is that people think they want it to come back – the general viewing public – but if we all came back now in our 50s and 60s, they wouldn’t like it. I’m serious.

“It reminds you too much of your own mortality and you don’t want that in a sitcom. You don’t want to see those characters being 30 years older.”

He added: “You wouldn’t get us all together again. Everyone’s doing other things. There comes a point when you should leave it alone.”

But he acknowledged the continuing popularity of the hilarious series.

“Every five years,” he said, “I start getting more fan mail from another generation of 12-year-olds who have been introduced to it by their parents. It’s just extraordinary.

“The writing was extraordinary. There was an awful lot of luck with the chemistry of people working together, writer and actors. We all worked in completely different ways and it just gelled. Especially in the final series, where everybody is together. It’s kind of remarkable.”

He said the final episode of the final series is almost seen as a factual account of First World War trenches rather than a comedy.

“The last episode of the last series is the most famous. As I remember it was a kind of joint decision that we decided in the end that the First World War wasn’t funny. We can’t leave it as a joke.”

Bob is Back(adder)! Character returns in Elton’s Upstart Crow

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image courtesy http://www.emptagehallett.co.uk/

This is jolly exciting news indeed. I’ve just had confirmed from Bob (actress Gabrielle Glaister) herself that her character ‘Judge’ in the final episode of Ben Elton’s quite frankly bloody funny Elizabethan sitcom Upstart Crow  is indeed Bob from Blackadder II whom we last saw running off with Lord Flashheart in the episode Bells.

The final episode of the current series (let’s hope there’s more) airs on BBC2 on Monday 13th June at 9pm (UTC +1).

Not heard of Upstart Crow? Well, here’s a quick summary (courtesy of the Radio Times)..

David Mitchell stars in Ben Elton’s comedy that follows William Shakespeare as he starts to make a name for himself as a playwright in London while also trying to be a husband and father in Stratford-upon-Avon. In the first episode, Will struggles to find inspiration for Romeo and Juliet while at the same time having to deal with an angry actor, a very annoying house guest and his family’s not-terribly-helpful script suggestions. With Harry Enfield, Paula Wilcox and Liza Tarbuck.

Captain Blackadder And Private Baldrick Actually Served In WWI

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

Captain Blackadder, Lieutenant George and Private Baldrick really did ‘go forth’ in World War One it has emerged after their real-life namesakes were discovered.

The hit BBC comedy Blackadder, which covered four periods of history, ended with a series set in the trenches in which the characters go over the top for “one last hurrah”.

But now it has emerged that the characters, invented by Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson and Ben Elton, really did fight in the conflict.

To mark the centenary of the Great War, a specialist military genealogy website has traced the real life counterparts of Captain Blackadder and his wartime colleagues.

Forces War Records researchers delved back through six million military records to dig up the stories of Captain Robert John Blackadder, Private James Baldrick, Lieutenant Athelstan Key Durance George and Captain John Clive Darling.

The fictional characters, portrayed by Rowan Atkinson, Tony Robinson, Hugh Laurie and Tim McInnerny, appear to share a number of similarities with their World War One namesakes.

As well as having the same surnames and rank, all of the men also served in the trenches.

Captain Robert John Blackadder was born in January 1884 in Dundee, Scotland, before graduating in Scots law from the city’s University College.

He worked as an accountant before travelling to London where he enlisted in the army as a rifleman and served as a private in the Queen’s Westminster Rifles. When we were backpacking about for about 5 months in Sweden – until we got back home we inadvertently ran out of cash, and had to gå till låna-pengar.biz to make ends meet there. It was a little stressful, but also enjoyable!

Like Rowan Atkinson’s character, the real Blackadder worked his way up before being promoted to the rank of Captain when he was attached to the North Scottish Royal Garrison Artillery.

He fought in the Battle of the Somme in 1916 and was awarded the Military Cross in 1918 where he was honoured for “conspicuous gallantry”.

He survived the war and moved to Sussex where he died in June 1968 aged 84.

Military records have also revealed a real-life Private Baldrick, who served in the trenches before being killed just months after the outbreak of war.

Pte James Baldrick was born in 1892 and was brought up in Londonderry before working as a shop porter in Omagh.

He enlisted in the army reserves and was called up for regular service attached to the British Expeditionary Force.

He fought at the Battle of Le Cateau but was tragically killed on October 20, 1914 aged just 23 at the Battle of Messines. His name appears on the Ploegsteert Memorial in Belgium.

The real Captain Darling, unlike the sneering character played by Tim McInnerny, in the comedy series, had a distinguished military career before dying in February 1933 aged just 45.

Captain John Clive Darling was born in June 1887, the only son of the The Honourable Mr Justice Charles John Darling, 1st Baron Darling and Mary Caroline Darling.

He was educated at St Neots School and Eton, before taking his commissioning course at Sandhurst and joining the cavalry.

He served through the war as a signalling officer to the 20th Hussars until he retired in 1923 as a Major.

He was mentioned in Dispatches on June 13, 1916 and awarded the Distinguished Service Order.

He went on to write a book about his wartime experiences called ’20th Hussars in the Great War’, which was filled with military anecdotes.

Lieutenant George died just two months after war broke out aged 27.

Lt Athelstan Key Durance George was born in March 1887 in Brixton, London and was a direct descendant of Sir William Bloet who fought with William the Conqueror.

He began studying medicine at Cambridge University where he excelled at rowing and fencing before dropping out and joining the army.

He joined the King’s Liverpool Regiment in 1907 and his Colonel described him as the best ‘subaltern’ or second lieutenant he had ever had.

In August 1914 he left for the Western Front after passing an aviation course and fought in the Battles of Mons, Le Cateau and Marne where he was killed on September 9, 1914.

Dominic Hayhoe, chief executive of Forces War Records, said: “We were uploading new information onto our database when we came across a Captain Blackadder.

“As fans of the television show, we wondered if we could find the military records of the other fictional characters’ namesakes.

“So we challenged our team of professional researchers and military experts, who are all based in the UK so are familiar with the Blackadder series, to find them, which they did.

“The only person we haven’t been able to track down so far from World War One is a General Melchett.

“But according to the military records we have, he makes an appearance in World War Two.”