The Scottish sitcom Two Doors Down is making an emotional return for a Christmas special, following the death of co-creator Simon Carlyle. The show, which started as a pilot in 2013, has become a sleeper hit, moving from BBC Two to BBC One for its seventh series in 2023. The cast and crew have spoken about the poignant comeback, with actor Jonathan Watson recalling how taxi drivers in London now shout punchlines at him, a sign of the show's growing popularity.
The Christmas special sees Beth and Eric cause consternation by putting up their tree early, leading to demands for bespoke mince pies and a debate about the song Fairytale of New York. The show's success has also led to a stage adaptation, with 10 shows planned at the 12,000-seater Glasgow Hydro next year. Co-creator Gregor Sharp noted that the show's appeal lies in its relatable characters and mundane yet warm storylines.
Arabella Weir, who plays Beth, praised the writing of Carlyle and Sharp for making ordinary people funny without resorting to weird antics. Alex Norton, who plays Eric, expressed surprise at the show's longevity, originally intended as a one-off. The pandemic helped expand the audience as younger viewers discovered it on iPlayer. The team's collaborative approach and consistent cast and crew have been key to maintaining the show's quality.
