Martin Clunes Dismisses Men Behaving Badly Revival Possibility
British acting stalwart Martin Clunes has delivered a definitive verdict on the potential return of his iconic 1990s sitcom Men Behaving Badly, stating that the show simply wouldn't resonate with contemporary audiences. The 64-year-old actor, who has enjoyed a television career spanning several decades, made his candid remarks during a recent interview with Saga Magazine.
From Sitcom Star to Period Drama Actor
Clunes, best known for his comedic roles, recently departed from his usual repertoire to portray a thoroughly unpleasant version of Mr. Earnshaw in Emerald Fennell's 2026 adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Describing his character as a misogynistic gambler with a penchant for drinking, Clunes revealed the extensive two-hour makeup process required to achieve his character's receding hairline and terrible teeth.
"It was fun because the character was so awful," Clunes admitted about his dramatic turn. The film featured him alongside Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, but Clunes emphasized that the emotional core of the story attracted him to the project.
He praised director Emerald Fennell, calling her "the hottest gal in town" and applauded the film's focus on human emotion rather than action. "Isn't it great that when most films have guns and fights that here's a film that sends people out in tears about two people's hearts? That's what's potent, that's what speaks to people," Clunes reflected.
The Legacy of Doc Martin and Men Behaving Badly
While Clunes has taken on numerous roles throughout his career, television audiences primarily associate him with two iconic characters. His portrayal of the grumpy but brilliant Dr. Martin Ellingham in Doc Martin spanned an impressive 18 years across ten seasons, though Clunes has firmly closed the door on returning to that role, declaring it "comprehensively done."
However, it was his earlier role as Gary Strang in Men Behaving Badly that truly established Clunes as a household name. The sitcom, which originally aired from 1992 to 1998, followed the misadventures of flatmates Gary and Dermot (played by Neil Morrissey) as they navigated life, television, and romantic pursuits with comedic ineptitude.
Why a Revival Wouldn't Work Today
Despite persistent fan requests for a Men Behaving Badly reunion, Clunes has unequivocally rejected the idea. "It just wouldn't be funny any more, would it?" he questioned, pointing specifically to the changed cultural landscape following Operation Yewtree, the British police investigation into historical child sexual abuse allegations.
Clunes elaborated that the show's particular brand of humor, which included references to celebrities like Kylie Minogue, wouldn't translate well with older actors in contemporary society. "In the post Operation Yewtree era, I don't think it would fly with 65-year-old men talking about Kylie Minogue's bottom," he explained candidly.
Enduring Friendship and Future Projects
Although a professional reunion appears unlikely, Clunes maintains a strong personal friendship with his former co-star Neil Morrissey. The two actors regularly communicate and Morrissey assists with Buckham Fair, a charitable rural event organized by the Clunes family to support local causes.
"It's definitely one of the key friendships in my life – certainly from the world of acting," Clunes revealed about his bond with Morrissey. "We'll catch up as often as we can and send each other texts or have a chat. I need to keep him close so he pulls his weight at the fair!"
While Clunes isn't planning to revisit his most famous roles, he remains open to new acting challenges, joking that maintaining his farm requires substantial financial resources. His recent portrayal of disgraced BBC presenter Huw Edwards in Channel 5's Power: The Downfall of Huw Edwards demonstrates his continued willingness to tackle complex, dramatic subjects.
Clunes described his initial reaction to the project as "Blimey, that's bold," but was ultimately impressed by the intelligent script and direction. He noted the production's cooperation with one of Edwards' victims and their family as particularly important to the project's integrity.
