Joe Thomas, the beloved actor who brought the awkward yet endearing Simon Cooper to life in The Inbetweeners, has finally broken his silence about the possibility of returning to the iconic Channel 4 sitcom that defined a generation.
In an exclusive interview, Thomas revealed that while he's open to the idea of revisiting the characters, any reunion would need to meet one crucial condition: 'It would have to be perfect'.
The Pressure of Getting It Right
'There's a pressure to get it right,' Thomas confessed, acknowledging the massive cultural impact the show continues to have over a decade after it ended. 'It's so beloved that if we did something that wasn't up to scratch, it would be a real shame.'
The actor, who starred alongside James Buckley (Jay), Blake Harrison (Neil), and Simon Bird (Will) in the groundbreaking series, expressed genuine concern about tarnishing the show's legacy. 'I wouldn't want to do anything that would damage the memory of the thing.'
From Teen Awkwardness to Adult Life
Thomas also shared his thoughts on where the characters might be today, suggesting that exploring their lives as adults could provide fresh comedic material. 'It would be interesting to see what they're like as grown-ups,' he mused.
The actor painted a vivid picture of Simon's potential current situation: 'I imagine he's probably working in London, maybe in some kind of middle-management job, probably married, probably with kids, and probably still slightly dissatisfied.'
Behind the Scenes Revelations
Thomas opened up about the show's enduring appeal, attributing its success to the universal experience of teenage awkwardness. 'The show is about that period in your life when you're not a child and you're not an adult,' he explained. 'You're in between, and that's a very awkward, embarrassing, and funny time.'
The actor also shared hilarious behind-the-scenes memories, including the challenges of filming some of the show's most cringe-worthy moments. 'There were times when we were just crying with laughter,' he recalled. 'The chemistry between the four of us was just magic.'
A Cultural Phenomenon That Refuses to Fade
Despite ending in 2010 after three series and two successful movies, The Inbetweeners continues to find new audiences through streaming platforms, maintaining its status as a cultural touchstone for British comedy.
Thomas expressed both surprise and gratitude for the show's lasting impact: 'It's amazing that people still talk about it and that new generations are discovering it. It was a very special time in all of our lives.'
While fans will have to wait to see if the stars align for a proper reunion, Thomas's comments offer hope that if it does happen, it will be worth the wait - and definitely not 'bus wankers'.
