Will & Grace is finally coming back to British TV
Will & Grace is going to be back on British TV soon.
Channel 5 is picking up the latest instalments of the barrier-breaking US TV show.
The iconic programme, which is credited with helping transform attitudes to gay people, is set to return to British screens after a 10-year absence.
The first episode will be screened at 10pm on January 5th.
Eric McCormack, who plays Will in the hit show, confirmed the news.
And Megan Mullally, who plays Karen in the hit show, added her voice to the chorus, tweeting: “hey U.K.! #WillAndGrace is coming to Channel 5 in January!”
Debra Messing, McCormack, Mullally and Sean Hayes returned to US TV in September for an unexpected ninth season.
A seasonal special airing today on NBC, called A Gay Olde Christmas, will take the pioneering programme past 200 episodes.
The season premiere attracted more than 10 million viewers – and fans in the UK will be able to enjoy Will, Grace, Jack and Karen in only a few weeks’ time.
Speaking to PinkNews, Channel 5’s vice-president of acquisitions Katie Keenan said: “Will & Grace is one of the greatest comedy shows of our time, so we’re thrilled to see it return to TV screens.
“With the hugely talented cast reprising their roles and tackling the issues of today with their razor-sharp wit, Will & Grace will become ‘must-see’ television in 2018.
“This deal follows the confirmation that The X-Files will return in early 2018, demonstrating our appetite for the best content across the world.”
Channel 5 called it “one of television’s most critically acclaimed series and one of the most influential shows in the last 20 years for the LGBT community.”
British followers of the show were thrilled with the news.
Fans should be prepared for a season full of twists, political commentary and technological updates, as the show gets to grips with life after the invention of the smartphone.
McCormack, Messing, Hayes and Mullally had been on the PR trail ahead of the show’s return.
They made a bizarre appearance on a new talk show hosted by conservative former Fox News personality Megyn Kelly.
Kelly appeared visibly uncomfortable throughout an excruciating interview with the cast.
The host then spoke to a fan of the show, asking: “Is it true that you became a lawyer, and became gay, because of Will?”
Debra Messing later hit out at the host.
Asked why the cast had agreed to appear, she wrote on Instagram: “I honestly I didn’t know it was [Megyn Kelly] until that morning.
“The itinerary just said Today Show appearance. Regret going on. Dismayed by her comments.”
