Last week, Reece Shearsmith tweeted "Last episode next week and that’s that." which led many to believe that tonight’s Series 4 finale of Inside No. 9 might indeed be the last.
But thankfully BBC Two have confirmed that the series will be returning for a fifth series in 2019.
The fifth series will stay true to the show’s anthology format, with each episode bringing an original story, a new raft of characters and surprising twists in the most unexpected of places.
Combining horror, thriller, drama and comedy, Inside No. 9 never fails to amaze, delight, unnerve and amuse in equal measures, with series four treating audiences to an episode written entirely in iambic pentameter and a murder mystery told in reverse chronological order.
Previous series have starred the likes of Rory Kinnear, Monica Dolan, Nicola Walker, Noel Clarke, Sheridan Smith, David Warner, Jack Whitehall, Alison Steadman and Gemma Arterton and with this series of Inside No. 9 finally getting the recognition it deserves from the public and critics alike, I’m sure they’ll have no trouble in attracting big names for the new series.
In fact, the latest series has been so successful that the first episode, Zanzibar, has now consolidated to 1.8m, the highest rating the show has seen.
Speaking about the new series, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith say: "Having tried and failed to convince the BBC to produce a full Cheese & Crackers series (or at the very least a Summertime Special), we have reluctantly agreed to do another series of Inside No. 9.
We will once again attempt to trick, tickle and terrify you - but not necessarily all at once. Unless there’s a twist. Which there won’t be. Or will there? Huge thanks to BBC Comedy and BBC Studios for their continued support, and to our loyal fans for continuing to spread the word."
And Shane Allen, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, at the BBC added: "Reece and Steve continue to dazzle, shock and knock audiences for six with their uniquely layered storytelling craftsmanship which attracts the cream of British acting talent.
There is not a more distinctive or ambitious comedy show being made anywhere in the world right now as week in week out they create whole new worlds and sets of characters which have instant impact."
Tonight’s Series 4 finale, Tempting Fate, guest stars Nigel Planer and sees Weruche Opia joins Reece and Steve to play council contractors Keith, Nick and Maz.
When they investigate a dead hoarder’s flat they find a blood-stained floor, a dead rat, and a terrible, inescapable curse from beyond the grave.
Inside No.9 returns in 2019