Star-studded BBC comedy shelved after three series as it ‘no longer reflects the real world’
David Tennant and Michael Sheen are shelving their comedy Staged after its current third season has ended.
The BBC1 show, in which the actors play exaggerated versions of themselves alongside their real-life partners, was created during the lockdown and follows the two men as they speak via Zoom.
But now that the pandemic is behind us, Doctor Who star David, 52, said the concept “no longer reflects the real world.”
He told The sun“We’ve had a great time filming the series, but have no plans to do more.”
“It was a show that grew out of a certain period of time — lockdown — when we were all in our homes and communicating over Zoom, like our characters did on the show.
End: David Tennant and Michael Sheen are shelving their comedy Staged after the current third season has ended
Goodbye: The BBC1 show, in which the actors play exaggerated versions of themselves alongside their real-life partners, was created during the lockdown and follows the two men as they speak via Zoom (LR) Michael Sheen, Anna Lundberg, David Tennant, Georgia Tennant
Further on: “We couldn’t get out now, as the characters show in some scenes in the new series, we can.”
The show, which premiered in 2020, has been acclaimed by fans and critics and has featured a slew of guest stars, including Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett.
It comes as David Tennant has admitted that returning to Doctor Who is his ‘last chance’ before he’s too old to play the iconic role.
The actor describes the stint as a “victory lap,” and will jump into the Tardis again this fall for a series of specials to celebrate the series’ 60th anniversary.
David, who originally played the role of the Time Lord from 2005-2010 and returned for a 2015 special, reunites with Catherine Tate as companion Donna Noble for the episodes alongside showrunner Russell T Davies.
He told the radio times: ‘The specifics of returning to Doctor Who required some bickering. But we were always open to the idea.’
‘Initially it was an informal conversation going from ‘Wouldn’t it be nice to do it once?’ then Russell ran the show again and all of a sudden it could be something bigger.”
Before adding, “But there’s really no pressure.”
Not anymore: but with the pandemic behind us, Doctor Who star David, 52, said the concept ‘no longer reflects the real world’
Fans: The show, which premiered in 2020, was acclaimed by fans and critics and featured a slew of guest stars, including Dame Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett
“It’s a victory lap in a way — you get to enjoy something that has meant so much to you, one last chance before you get too old to do it again.”
David’s appearance comes ahead of the reign and the role will pass to Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, 30, for the show’s 14th season.
He will join Bonnie Langford, who returns to the show more than three decades after she originally boarded the TARDIS.
The actress, 58, is reprising her role as Melanie Bush for the new series alongside incoming Doctor Ncuti Gatwa, and her return will hit the screens in 2024.
Bonnie made her Who debut in 1986 as Melanie alongside the Sixth Doctor Colin Baker, becoming the companion of the Seventh Doctor, Sylvester McCoy.
It also comes after the West End star briefly reprized her role in the BBC’s Centenery Special The Power Of The Doctor last year.
Ncuti will debut as the new Doctor in a Christmas special later this year, after David Tennant reprises the role for a trio of specials to mark the show’s 60th anniversary in November.
Back again! It comes that David Tennant has admitted his return to Doctor Who is his ‘last chance’ before he is too old to play the iconic role
Special: The actor describes the stint as a “victory lap,” and will be jumping into the Tardis again this fall for a series of specials to celebrate the series’ 60th anniversary (David pictured on the show)
Of her return, Bonnie said, “I’m absolutely thrilled to be bringing Melanie Bush back.
“Being part of the exceptional cast, crew and production team led by the force of nature that is Russell T Davies has been a career highlight.
“I am so privileged and proud to have been a member of the Doctor Who family since the classic era and to be part of the new generation is phenomenal.”
Showrunner, Russell T Davies said, ‘Open those TARDIS doors wide, ’cause Bonnie’s back! What an honor, delight and hoot to welcome back Melanie’s character after too long an absence.
“And this isn’t just a cameo, Bonnie is right in the middle of the action, battling monsters and mayhem and cliffhangers, right on the doctor’s side, just like old times.”
Bonnie made her West End debut aged just seven in Gone with the Wind at Theater Royal Drury Lane and has had an outstanding career ever since.
She has made numerous appearances on both Broadway and the West End, such as Chicago, 9 to 5 and Cats, before her award-winning role as Carmel Kazemi on EastEnders.
In addition to Ncuti’s Doctor in the TARDIS, his companion will be Ruby Sunday, played by Coronation Street star Millie Gibson.
The new series marks a brand new era for the show under returning showrunner Russell T Davies, following the departure of Chris Chibnall and the last Doctor, played by Jodie Whittaker, last year.
Back to the TARDIS! David’s appearance comes ahead of the reign and the role will pass to Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, 30 for the show’s 14th season (pictured)
Blast from the past! He will join Bonnie Langford, who returns to the show more than three decades after she originally boarded the TARDIS
Bonnie’s last appearance on Who aired in 1987 when she said goodbye to the Doctor to travel the universe with the rogue Glitz.
It was previously announced that the likes of Jinkx Monsoon and Jonathan Groff will be joining the cast for Ncuti’s upcoming Doctor Who series.
The Broadway star, 38, who is known for the crime series Mindhunter, was previously announced to take part in the sci-fi series.
The BBC said he will play a “mysterious and thrilling” guest star in which he will “jump aboard the Tardis.”