The Channel 4 cult comedy series will NEVER return to screens as the writer claims the broadcaster has ‘buried it under cement’ and the cast of gags has ‘put on an awful lot of weight’ since the previous series
A Channel 4 comedy show will no longer be on screen after the broadcaster ‘buried it under cement’, the writer claimed.
Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace was discontinued in 2004 after just one series, but has since gained a cult following online.
The show, a parody of 1980s horror television and soap operas, was created by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade and was set in the fictional Darkplace Hospital in Essex.
But despite its popularity these days, writer Matthew confirmed the show would not be making a comeback to screens, accusing Channel 4 of ‘burying it’, reports The sun.
Speaking as his character Garth Marenghi during a Q&A for his new book Terrortome at the London Palladium this week, Matthew also joked that a revival was out of the question because much of the cast had been given “a lot of weight.”
No return: A Channel 4 comedy show will not return to screens after the broadcaster ‘buried it under cement’, the writer claimed
No Return: Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace was axed in 2004 after just one series, but has since gained a cult following online
When asked by an audience member if the show could make a comeback, Matthew aka Garth said, “No, that’s impossible. The problem is that Channel 4 has literally buried Darkplace under cement.”
He continued, “With the exception of myself, the rest of the cast has put on an awful lot of weight.
“So much so that we would have to change the aspect ratio of the screen, I don’t think it’s possible…”
The show followed fictional horror author Garth (Holness), who is said to be loosely based on Stephen King, as he created a TV show with manager Dean Learner (Ayoade).
In the fictional show within the show, Garth Garth played the role of Dr. Dagless, who always carried a gun and tried to solve supernatural mysteries.
Channel 4’s description of the show reads: ‘A wayward doctor battles the evil forces lurking beneath a hospital in Romford, engaged in a desperate battle against poor production values, terrible dialogue and unrealistic violence…’
The six-part miniseries also features a plethora of British comedy stars who made cameos before they hit big time.
They include Noel Fielding as Monkey Man, Stephen Mercchent as The Chef, and Julian Barratt as Padre.
Not allowed: Despite its popularity these days, writer Matthew Holness (pictured) confirmed the show would not be making a comeback to screens, accusing Channel 4 of ‘burying it’
Creators: The show, a parody of 1980s horror television and soap operas, was created by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade and is set in the fictional Darkplace Hospital in Essex
Funny: ‘With the exception of myself, the rest of the cast has gained a lot of weight. So much so that we would have to change the aspect ratio of the screen, I don’t think it’s possible…’
While Alice Lowe also played both Madeleine Wool and Liz Asher, while Matt Berry played Dr. Lucien Sanchez and Todd Rivers starred.
Meanwhile, the series has spawned a number of books written by ‘Garth’, including last year’s TerrorTome.
It will be followed up with Incarcerat, set for a Halloween release, and will continue to follow the adventures of horror author Nick Stein.
The official synopsis for the new novel reads: ‘Steen is kidnapped and imprisoned in Nulltec, a shadowy technological research facility hidden deep in the Stalkford Downs. There he is tested and hindered by a team of scientific experts determined to destroy his escaping imagination.’