Iconic Channel 4 comedy to return after 24 years - but with big twist

Channel 4 sketch series Smack the Pony is reuniting stars Fiona Allen, Sally Phillips and Doon Mackichan after 24 years - although fans can expect a twist. While the hit series won't be back on our screens, the trio are heading to the Edinburgh Fringe festival for a reunion show at the Gilded Balloon in August.

They said in a statement: "This is slightly surreal because it's 24 years since we finished. We're not old comedy, we now qualify as vintage, which is cool. Is it? Because we always talk sketch ideas when we get together, on some level it's almost as if Smack the Pony never really stopped - that it just kept going in some parallel universe.

"So it feels like Gilded Balloon is some kind of portal and we'll be popping into catch up with Series 26. We're very grateful to have this chance to hang out and take the p*** out of ourselves again - we've missed it!"

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

The sketch show originally aired back in 1999, starring Fiona, Doon and Sally. Over four years, Smack the Pony aired three series and two specials before coming to an end in 2003.

However, the trio did reunite for a skit in aid of back in 2017. Since the show came to an end, all three stars have gone on to find success on other projects.

Sally Phillips has starred in all four Bridget Jones films as Bridget's best friend Shazza and taken on roles in Veep, , We Might Regret This, Big Mood and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies.

While Doon is best known for her role as Cathy in Scottish sitcom Two Doors Down as well as Jane Plough in Toast of London, Flavia in Plebs and a number of roles in Psychobitches.

As for Fiona, the comedy star has appeared in Waterloo Road, , Skins and most recently as Michaela Turnbull in .

Smack the Pony isn't the only sketch series that's returning with a stage show - Dead Ringers is celebrating its 25th anniversary with Cast members , , Lewis McLeod, and Duncan Wisbey will be back for the live tour, which is a tribute to late creator and producer Bill Dare, who . In a statement Dare’s agent JFL Agency confirmed he died, with has spokesperson saying at the time: “We are shocked and greatly saddened to have to announce the death of our brilliant client Bill Dare, who died at the weekend following an accident overseas.

“Our thoughts are with his wife Lucy, daughter Rebecca, and with all of Bill’s family and friends who will be devastated by his loss. Bill was a truly legendary producer and writer, and his comedy instincts were second to none.”

Join The Mirror’s or follow us on , , Apple News, , , , , , and - or visit The Mirror homepage.