After a five year absence, triple BAFTA winning comedy, Detectorists, is to return later this year for a one-off 75 minute special.

A warm, funny, honey dripped drama Detectorists follows the travails of two metal detecting hobbyists, Lance and Andy, as they negotiate the beautiful gentle rhythms of the English countryside. 

Detectorists launched in October 2014 and there have been 19 half hour episodes since, this long form version of the show will bring viewers up to date with the lives of Andy, Lance, Becky and the Danebury Metal Detecting Club.

Director, writer and star of the show Mackenzie Crook is looking forward to this film length version of his creation, he said: “It was 2017 when we were last in Danebury and I miss my old friends in the DMDC. I’ve had a story percolating for a while and I thought it was worth getting Lance, Andy and the rest of the band back together for. The affection expressed for Detectorists over the years has been incredible and I hope fans of the show will enjoy this new, extended episode.”

Producer Gill Isles said: "It’s absolutely thrilling to be spending the summer back in Danebury with Mackenzie and the team. There is so much love for the show that I can't wait for everyone to see what Mackenzie has in store in this next chapter.”

The show is a Treasure Trove Productions, Channel X North and Lola TV production. The Director is Mackenzie Crook is Director, the Producer is Gill Isles. The Executive Producers are Mackenzie Crook and Lisa Thomas for Treasure Trove / Lola TV and Alan Marke and Jim Reid for Channel X North. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Emma Lawson.

The news was announced by Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy, who has today laid out his plans for the future of BBC comedy at the BBC Comedy Festival in Newcastle. 

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Picture: BBC