Aside from wonderful writing, BBC Two’s hit series Inside No.9 is well-known for attracting some great guest stars.
Some of the names who have previously joined Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith for an episode of Inside No. 9 include Keeley Hawes, Felicity Kendal, Jack Whitehall, Julie Hesmondhalgh and the always wonderful Sheridan Smith.
A few weeks ago the third series ended and already filming has begin on the fourth. Each of the six new episodes will again feature new characters, new venues and a new twist on the number nine.
Those joining Steve and Reece include; Zoë Wanamaker (Harry Potter), Noel Clarke (Doctor Who), Emilia Fox (Silent Witness), Monica Dolan (W1A), Sian Gibson (Car Share), Nick Moran (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels), Nigel Planer (The Young Ones), Kenneth Cranham (Maleficent), Fenella Woolgar (War & Peace), Phoebe Sparrow (Downton Abbey), Rory Kinnear (Count Arthur Strong), Marcia Warren (Sherlock), Bill Paterson (Fleabag), Helen Monks (Raised by Wolves), Tanya Franks (Chewing Gum), Kevin Eldon (Damned), Hattie Morahan (Outnumbered), Nicola Walker (Unforgotten). Miranda Hennessy (Pramface), Weruche Opia (Bad Education) and David Calder (The Moonstone).
Commenting on the new series, Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton said "We feel ridiculously privileged to find ourselves at Pinewood Studios filming a new set of episodes (though sadly not in Studio 9).
We are getting through more actors than Midsomer Murders and it's a dream to work with the country's finest once again. As ever we've attempted a real mix of styles and genres, including one really brilliant episode and one really disappointing one; we look forward to viewers debating which is which."
Speaking to me earlier this year, Steve Pemberton said "Some of the episodes have a much lighter air in series four, but just when you’re not expecting it we’ll hit you again with another whammy. We just want to keep on not repeating ourselves, keep on surprising audiences and keep them coming back because they’re intrigued by what they’re going to get."
Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, said "Reece and Steve continue to dazzle and amaze with their ever inventive powers of story-telling.
Their terrific writing has lured the cream of British acting talent to serve up six completely new and sublimely conceived treats. They transcend the parameters of genre limitations with this widely admired series,"
Producer Adam Tandy added "This year's films once again take place at, in, on or around a big number 9, all of them entirely different and each one filled with a unique and delicious mixture of comedy, drama, love, intrigue, ancient curses, industry gossip, room service, and murderous intent. Take your pick."