David Mitchell has confirmed there are no plans for another series of the BBC sitcom Upstart Crow, despite a period of serious consideration for a Christmas special.
No revival for Shakespeare comedy
The programme first aired in 2016 and starred the Ludwig actor as William Shakespeare, following the playwright's early career in London. It also focused on his life with his family in Stratford-upon-Avon, with Liza Tarbuck playing his wife Anne Hathaway and Helen Monks, Sebastian Barker, Joe Willis and Rosanna Beacock playing his children.
While the programme was a hit with viewers, with stage adaptations in 2020 and 2022, the TV series ended six years ago with a Christmas special. Speaking to The Sun, Mitchell said there were 'no plans' for a revival, adding that while the BBC gave the idea of another Christmas special 'serious consideration', 'sadly, nothing has come of it'.
Calling it a 'shame' that nothing is in the works, Mitchell highlighted how 'enormously proud' both he and creator Ben Elton were of the programme. The BBC have been contacted for comment.
Ludwig returns for second and third series
While Mitchell may not be returning as Shakespeare any time soon, his detective series Ludwig returned to screens for a second series this month. The show, which first aired in 2024, follows Mitchell as John "Ludwig" Taylor, a reclusive puzzle-setter who must impersonate his identical twin brother in his role as a high-ranking police detective after he vanishes.
A synopsis for the second instalment reads: "Master puzzle-setter John' Ludwig' Taylor (David Mitchell) is now a crime scene consultant, working alongside DCI Russell Carter (Dipo Ola) on 'impossible' crimes for the Cambridge Police Authority."
"But with his identical twin brother still missing, John and his sister-in-law Lucy (Anna Maxwell Martin) won't stop – there's a puzzle to solve and a husband and father to bring home. One masquerade may have ended, but a new one has just begun."
The BBC has also commissioned a third instalment of Ludwig. Mitchell said: "I am delighted that Ludwig will be returning to solve more of Mark Brotherhood's brilliant mysteries. I can't wait to get started and have renewed the subscription on my denouement-learning app."
Jon Petrie, BBC Director of Comedy Commissioning, added: "Ludwig is exactly the kind of smart, distinctive, audience-pleasing show we love at BBC Comedy. Sharp writing, a compelling story, big laughs and, naturally, a generous helping of puzzles."
"The team at Big Talk have crafted something truly distinctive and much-loved, and we're excited to see what mysteries Ludwig tackles next." Both Upstart Crow and Ludwig are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
