Game on

Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton return for more tales of the unexpected in a new series of their award-winning comedy

Inside No. 9 was strictly cult viewing when it first aired in 2014 – but not any more. Since then, the BBC2 anthology series has achieved mainstream recognition and a clutch of awards thanks to the show’s unique brand of black humour and ingenious plot twists.

Famed for turning everyday events into spine-tingling scenarios, writers and actors Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton are back this week for a fifth series, with six new stories that are sure to amuse and chill in equal measure.

As usual, there’s a glittering cast of guest stars, including Jenna Coleman, Maxine Peake, and Jill Halfpenny, while Ralf Little and David Morrissey are in this week’s opening episode about a referee getting ready for a big football game.

We caught up with Shearsmith, 50, who stars alongside Pemberton, 52, in every episode, to hear more about what’s in store…

What can you tell us about the first episode?