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Movies & TV

05th Jul 2018

Father Ted creator reveals the idea he was pitched about a potential spinoff to the show

Paul Moore

Father ted

We’re sort of happy that it didn’t happen.

“Night Dougal, night Ted.”

And that’s how one of the greatest comedies of all time ended. In fact, it’s not hyperbole to say that at its very best, Father Ted felt like it was touched by God himself because the standard of writing, acting and directing was superb throughout.

Christ, it has been over 20 years since Ted decided to do a U-turn on his decision to move to America – those drive-by shooting tournaments still need an umpire – and in the two decades since, the show continues to inspire a religious devotion.

We all use Father Ted quotes and references in our daily lives and as previously reported, Graham Linehan is about to launch a new chapter in the life of Father Ted Curly Crilly with his new musical, Pope Ted.

Linehan was Jarlath Regan’s guest on his magnificent podcast An Irishman Abroad and it’s an excellent discussion as the Father Ted co-creator talks about why this is the perfect opportunity to bring back Ted.

Linehan also revealed that he had an offer to make a spinoff that’s based on Craggy Island’s most idiotic priest, Father Dougal McGuire.

When asked if he was approached about continuing on with the world of Father Ted, Linehan said that he was approached with an idea.

“It wasn’t a done deal – the musical – it was a reboot of some sort (that studios wanted). Someone even suggested doing a Dougal spinoff in the style of Inspector Morse and his friend, Lewis, and I was like ‘eh no!’ but keeping Dougal as a priest.”

As you can read here, Linehan provides his own reasons for bringing Ted back now but we’re sort if happy that the TV show was never continued, rebooted or given a spinoff.

Sadly, Dermot Morgan died the day after filming was completed and any newer episodes would never be the same without him. Even if they relocated Dougal to a new parish and followed his insane adventures, it’s the dynamic between the actors as Morgan and Ardal O’Hanlon played off each other beautifully.

With regards to Linehan’s career, he went on to create The I.T Crowd and we’re delighted that he did so. This being said, we’re very excited to see the next chapter in the story of Father Ted.

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