Simon Bird, the actor who became a household name as the socially awkward Will McKenzie in The Inbetweeners, has made a surprising confession about his relationship with the hit show that launched his career.
The 39-year-old star revealed he actively avoids contact with his former co-stars and deliberately ignores their attempts to reach out to him.
The Awkward Truth Behind the Silence
In a candid interview that will shock fans of the iconic Channel 4 series, Bird admitted: "I don't answer the phone to any of them anymore. I'm not on the group chat. I've left them on read for about five years."
This revelation comes despite the close bond the four main cast members appeared to share during the show's original run from 2008 to 2010 and throughout the two successful film adaptations.
Moving On From McKenziet
Bird's distancing from The Inbetweeners universe appears to be a conscious career choice. The actor has been focusing on more serious dramatic roles and his work behind the camera as a director.
"I'm trying to do different stuff," he explained, highlighting his desire to move beyond the character that made him famous. "I'm not that keen to go back to the well."
Co-Star Relationships: Where Are They Now?
The admission raises questions about his current relationships with James Buckley (Jay Cartwright), Joe Thomas (Simon Cooper), and Blake Harrison (Neil Sutherland). While Bird maintains his professional respect for their work together, his radio silence suggests a clear boundary has been drawn.
This isn't the first time Bird has expressed mixed feelings about his association with the beloved comedy. In previous interviews, he's described feeling "trapped" by the role and the challenges of being typecast in similar characters afterward.
Despite his personal feelings toward the show, Bird acknowledged the incredible impact The Inbetweeners had on British comedy and continues to have on new generations of viewers through streaming platforms.
