Fans of the beloved E4 comedy series The Inbetweeners received confusing signals this week as actor James Buckley appeared to pour cold water on rumours of the show's highly anticipated return.
Radio Interview Sparks Confusion
During an appearance on The Chris Moyles Show on Radio X on Tuesday, the 38-year-old actor, who rose to fame playing the iconic character Jay Cartwright, claimed to have no knowledge of any planned revival of the hit sitcom.
When asked directly if the show was coming back, Buckley responded: 'I don't know. There was a bit that came out a couple of weeks ago. Every sort of couple of years, someone tells me it's coming back, and I only know as much as everyone else.'
The actor revealed he's been disappointing fans who approach him excited about the potential reboot, telling them: 'Is it? If it is...'
Contradictory Statements Create Mystery
Buckley's comments stand in stark contrast to official announcements made just last month, when creators Iain Morris and Damon Beesley confirmed plans were indeed underway to bring back the iconic characters Will, Simon, Jay and Neil for a fresh chapter.
The creators signed a significant deal with production giant Banijay UK, with the company stating the agreement 'unlocks the rights and potential to bring The Inbetweeners back for new audiences across a range of platforms including film, tv and stage'.
Patrick Holland, Banijay's chief executive, expressed enthusiasm about the project, telling The Sun: 'They have an infectious creative vision for the brand which will resonate with audiences old and new.'
Cast Enthusiasm Versus Buckley's Uncertainty
While Buckley seemed uncertain about the revival during his radio appearance, his co-stars have previously expressed eagerness to return to their famous roles.
Joe Thomas, who played the awkward Simon, revealed last year that the entire cast - including Simon Bird (Will McKenzie), Blake Harrison (Neil Sutherland) and Buckley himself - remained close friends and would 'jump at the chance' to work together again.
Thomas stated: 'We're all still around. We're all still in each other's lives. We all still like each other. And if it was something that came up, I think we would want to do it.'
Emily Atack, who played fan-favourite Charlotte Hinchcliffe, is also tipped to return if the project moves forward.
When pressed by co-host Dominic Byrne about whether he'd participate in a revival, Buckley gave a surprisingly hesitant response: 'I don't know. I'd think about it. I'd have to think about it.'
He later joked: 'But if they are doing it, maybe they're doing it without me!' adding that his character might have been 'killed off'.
The potential reboot could mark the first time in more than a decade that the full cast have reunited on screen, with possibilities including a new television series, another film, or even a stage adaptation.
With conflicting messages from the cast and creators, fans of the iconic British comedy are left wondering whether they'll truly see their favourite inappropriate teenagers-turned-adults return to screens anytime soon.
