Could Blackadder be returning to television screens? According to Sir Tony Robinson, who played Baldrick in the popular British sitcom throughout the 1980s and in various special episodes since, there may be something new on the horizon.

While Robinson is keeping the details under wraps, he has confirmed that viewers can expect to see something associated with Blackadder that they have never seen before. The project is set to air on television in the coming months, though Robinson is not at liberty to divulge any further information.

The actor, who recently read a bedtime story as Baldrick for Comic Relief, has been overwhelmed by the public’s response to his appearance. As a result, he is feeling optimistic about what the future holds for the show’s fans.

With this year marking the 40th anniversary of the first series of Blackadder, fans are eagerly anticipating what Sir Tony Robinson, who played Baldrick in the series, has teased as “something associated with Blackadder that viewers won’t have seen before”. While Robinson has remained tight-lipped about the project, speculation has been rife about what it could entail.

One possibility is a retrospective look back at the making of the first series, which was recorded in June of 1982 but did not feature Robinson. This could provide a unique insight into the show’s early days, including behind-the-scenes stories and previously unseen footage.

However, there are other potential options, such as a new episode featuring the original cast or a one-off special celebrating the show’s legacy. Whatever the project may be, it is clear that Blackadder has a dedicated fanbase eagerly anticipating its return to the small screen.

Robinson’s recent appearance as Baldrick for Comic Relief only added fuel to the speculation, as the actor received an outpouring of love from fans. With his optimism about the future of the show, it seems likely that the upcoming project will be well-received by Blackadder enthusiasts everywhere.

source: Chortle.co.uk

As previously reported, Richard Curtis is reviving Blackadder for this year’s telethon, however the new outing will only involve Sir Tony Robinson as Baldrick, and not Rowan Atkinson as the eponymous Edmund.

The premise of the sketch has now been revealed, with the BBC saying: “We’ll see the exclusive return of one of the nation’s most beloved comedy characters – Baldrick – as he reads his very own Blackadder Bedtime Story.”

Blackadder’s dogsbody will be focusing his story around the tale of Cinderella.

Speaking on Radio 2 in February, Curtis said: “For the first time in 20 years, Baldrick is going to be giving some kind of performance. We’re just conspiring about it now, so I think there’s going to be a marvellous, turnip-based thing with Tony Robinson now back in action, so I’m excited about that.”

The last such Blackadder revival was part of Comic Relief’s Big Night In, at the height of 2020’s Covid-19 lockdown. It saw Stephen Fry reprise his role as Lord Melchett, now Head of the Royal Household, talking to Prince William via Zoom about educating his children.

This year’s telethon – which will run on BBC One from 7pm to 10pm – will be hosted by David Tennant, with Paddy McGuinness, Zoe Ball, Joel Dommett and AJ Odudu.

Happy Blackadder’s Historical Record day everyone!

Yes, today see’s the release of the quite frankly brilliant Blackadder vinyl boxset containing 12 x 140g gold coloured vinyl records, a signed print by Baldrick himself, Sir Tony Robinson and a lovely full-colour 12-page booklet.

To celebrate the release, Demon records have released a new unboxing video by Michael Stevens, the project editor for Blackadder’s Historical Record.

Enjoy!

The legendary Sir Tony Robinson takes a first look at Blackadder’s Historical Record – 40th Anniversary 12LP Vinyl Box Set which is out February 10th 2023: https://blackadder.lnk.to/historical

It is with great sadness to report that acclaimed actor and comedian Robbie Coltrane has passed away aged just 72. While many people will fondly remember him as the loveable giant Hagrid in the Harry Potter series of movies; Blackadder fans will always think of his turn as Dr. Samuel Johnson in the Blackadder The Third episode Ink & Incapability (you know, the Dictionary one). Robbie also returned to Blackadder with a role as the ghost in Blackadder’s Christmas Carol.

Taking to Social Media, Baldrick actor Sir Tony Robinson said “Robbie! You were such a sweet man and so talented as a comic and as a straight actor. ‘Dictionary’ was my favourite episode of the Adder ever and it was all down to you mate. Rest well x”

Robbie! You were such a sweet man and so talented as a comic and as a straight actor. ‘Dictionary’ was my favourite episode of the Adder ever and it was all down to you mate. Rest well x

— Tony Robinson (@Tony_Robinson) October 14, 2022

While Blackadder semi-regular Stephen Fry said “I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago. I was awe/terror/love struck all at the same time. Such depth, power & talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups & honking as we made our first TV show, “Alfresco”. Farewell, old fellow. You’ll be so dreadfully missed”

I first met Robbie Coltrane almost exactly 40 years ago. I was awe/terror/love struck all at the same time. Such depth, power & talent: funny enough to cause helpless hiccups & honking as we made our first TV show, “Alfresco”. Farewell, old fellow. You’ll be so dreadfully missed

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) October 14, 2022

Blackadder co-scribe (series 2 onwards), Ben Elton has stated that while he would love to work with the other co-scribe and Blackadder co-creator Richard Curtis on something new, it wouldn’t be on another Blackadder.

Speaking to The Radio Times magazine here in the UK, Elton said “We were a great team and I’ve talked so many times about doing something else.”

“Not Blackadder again,” he added. “I don’t think either of us feel any appetite to do that.”

Last year, the show’s stars Rowan Atkinson and Tony Robinson – who played Edmund Blackadder and Baldrick across all four seasons – both addressed the possibility of a return.

Atkinson explained that it “certainly” wasn’t “impossible” that the show might be revived at some point, but added: “That’s about as optimistic as I can be.

“I’d rather not speculate on when it could be set,” he continued. “But Blackadder represented the creative energy we all had in the ’80s. To try to replicate that 30 years on wouldn’t be easy.”

Robinson later admitted that he would be keen to step back into his role at some point, although he revealed it might have to be in a different format.

“Well, what Rowan has always said to me is if there was to be another Blackadder it shouldn’t necessarily be another six-part television series,” he said. “We should find another guise for it, another way of doing it.”

“[Atkinson] once said to me wouldn’t it be great if we could take over the Royal Tournament military tattoo one summer, it would be Blackadder’s Royal Tournament,” he added.

“I’m not saying that would necessarily be the idea we went with but I think it ought to be possible to come up with something at some time.”

———————————–

Personally, I’d love for Elton & Curtis to work together on something new – even if it isn’t Blackadder. Hope you like the picture; it’s an AI artist’s impression of Ben Elton if he was painted by Rembrandt.

Hello! It’s been a while. It’s been a bloody long while to be honest. But there hasn’t been any news worth talking about. If there had I’d have bloody well shouted about it from the rooftops. There has been the usual ‘Blackadder set to return’ but nothing new or remotely interesting to write about.  But they say, no news is good news..

Well, I bring you news (of sort).. Unfortunately, I’m not able to tell you what that is at this moment in time.

But it’s all very exciting and I can’t wait to share details on what that news is in the not-too-distant future.

To get you all in the mood for a bit more Blackadder, here’s a portrait of a rather miffed ancestor of Blackadder that was painted by Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn in 1666.