From playing murderous Cambridge professors and cat burglars to killer magicians and call centre employees, Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith have taken on all kinds of twisted characters throughout Inside No 9’s run.
Now, the double act are retiring their award-winning dark comedy after one last series – which fittingly happens to be the ninth.
“We’re not treating it too differently to any of the series really – it’s always manic,” says Steve, 56, of the anthology series. “People keep asking us how we feel, but we’re just focusing on making this. I think filming the last episode will be hard.”
Reece, 54, adds, “These scripts have been in our heads for a long time, so it’s nice when you finally get to do them. It probably hasn’t dawned on us yet that it’s the last one.”
Despite picking up multiple Baftas and a steady rise in ratings, the duo know it’s “ the right time” to officially close the door to No 9.
“We feel really lucky to have got to nine,” says Steve. “We don’t have any doubts that it’s the right time to leave it while people are still enjoying it and finding it surprising. The moment a show becomes predictable, it’s dead for us.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
HISTORY IN THE MAKING
To mark the 40th anniversary of Do They Know It's Christmas?, the BBC is airing behind-the-scenes footage of the recording
ALWAYS THE BAD GUY?
After playing evil Joel in Corrie, Calum Lill is treading the boards as a pantomime villain. Oh, yes he is!
BOOST YOUR BRAIN HEALTH
As doctors highlight the importance of early detection in dementia cases, here's how we can help protect ourselves
Jealous cop killed ex-lover's new wife in love triangle murder
DNA evidence from a bite mark on the victim linked an LAPD officer to Sherri Rasmussen's murder
'Every month I would plan my own death due to PMDD'
Shalina Casey, 48, of Hampshire, suffers from the same condition as TV stars Vicky Pattison and Kristina Goodsell. Here, she shares her story
'My dad was the only suspect'
Ahead of a chilling new documentary, Tina Wing's son Daniel speaks to new about finding justice for his mother 32 years after her brutal unsolved murder
Martine praises the pal who hasn't 'picked a side'
After her \"brutal” break-up, Martine McCutcheon enjoys a night out amid fears of losing friends
'Zach and I fell in love completely backwards'
Molly Marsh opens up about life after Love Island, settling down with boyfriend Zach Noble and becoming a pop star
'You should be able to be sensitive'
Professor Green talks feelings, fatherhood and the importance of a good night's sleep
´Coleen won't back out of any challenges'
As Coleen Rooney enters the jungle, good pal Danielle Lloyd tells new how she'll get on