Channel 4 cult comedy series will NEVER return to screens

A Channel 4 comedy show will not be returning to screens after the broadcaster ‘buried it under cement’, claimed the writer. 

Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace was axed in 2004 after just one series but has since gone on to gain a cult following online.

The show, a parody of 80’s horror television and soap operas, was created by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade and was set in the fictional Darkplace Hospital in Essex.

But despite its popularity these days, writer Matthew confirmed that the show would not be making a comeback to screens as he accused Channel 4 of ‘burying it’, reports The Sun.

Speaking as his character Garth Marenghi during a Q&A for his new book Terrortome at the London Palladium this week, Matthew also joked that a revival was out of the question because much of the cast had put on ‘a lot of weight’. 

No coming back: Garth Marenghi’s Darkplace was axed in 2004 after just one series but has since gone on to gain a cult following online

When asked by an audience member if the show could make a comeback, Matthew aka Garth said: ‘No, it’s impossible. The problem being Channel 4 buried Darkplace literally under cement’.

He went on to add: ‘With the exception of myself, the rest of the cast have put on an awful lot of weight. 

‘So much so that we’d have to change the aspect ratio of the screen, I don’t think it could be done…’

The show followed fictional horror author Garth (Holness), who is said to be loosely based on Stephen King, as he created a TV show with manager Dean Learner (Ayoade).

In the fictional show within the show, Garth playd Garth played Dr. Dagless, who always carried a gun on his person and attempted to solve supernatural mysteries.

Channel 4’s description of the show reads: ‘A maverick doctor battles with the evil forces lurking beneath a hospital in Romford, engaged in a desperate struggle against poor production values, awful dialogue and unrealistic violence…’

The six-part mini series also features a plethora of British comedy stars who made cameos before hitting the big time.

They include Noel Fielding as Monkey Man, Stephen Merchent as The Chef and Julian Barratt as Padre.

A no go: Despite its popularity these days, writer Matthew Holness (pictured) confirmed that the show would not be making a comeback to screens as he accused Channel 4 of ‘burying it’

Creators: The show, a parody of 80’s horror television and soap operas, was created by Matthew Holness and Richard Ayoade and was set in the fictional Darkplace Hospital in Essex

Funny: ‘With the exception of myself, the rest of the cast have put on an awful lot of weight. So much so that we’d have to change the aspect ratio of the screen, I don’t think it could be done…’

While Alice Lowe also featured as both Madeleine Wool and Liz Asher, while Matt Berry portrayed Dr. Lucien Sanchez and Todd Rivers.

Meanwhile, the series generated a number of books written by ‘Garth’, including last year’s TerrorTome.

It’s set to be followed up with Incarcerat, poised for a Halloween release, and will continue to follow the adventures of horror author Nick Stein.

The official synopsis for the new novel reads: ‘Steen is abducted and imprisoned at Nulltec, a shadowy technological research facility hidden deep among the Stalkford downs. There, he is tested and interfered with by a team of scientific experts determined to nullify his escaping imagination.’