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Fans of iconic Channel 4 show share hopes for return after stars reunite


Joe Thomas and James Buckley from The Inbetweeners have sent fans into overdrive as they seemingly hinted at a return for the iconic Channel 4 sitcom


Image© Getty Images
Matthew Moore
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
August 19, 2025
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The Inbetweeners stars Joe Thomas and James Buckley sent fans into overdrive when they reunited for a photoshoot this week and teased a new project in the works.

The duo, who played Simon Cooper and Jay Cartwright in respectively, were seen in a variety of outfits as they prepared for their new project. One saw Joe in a blue top and jeans, while James wore a striped shirt, and another featured the actor wearing a snazzy white top. "Working on something … @itsjoethomas," James teased in the caption.

James teased a new project in the works alongside Joe
View post on Instagram
 

Fans shared their hopes that this was heralding the return of the beloved Channel 4 show, which was originally set in a school's sixth form. While many posted GIFs of the show's most iconic moments, one said: "We need an Inbetweeners reunion. Set 10/15 years later. Jay gets married and carnage ensues. American Pie reunion showed that it can be done well."

A second demanded: "Please do Inbetweeners with the 4 of you grown up," and a third wrote: "Inbetweeners but it's mid-life crisis time, Jay, Simon and Neil all have kids and some are married / divorced and Simon is somehow an absolute stud with the ladies and is single rich and free."

WATCH: See the trailer for the second Inbetweeners Movie

HELLO!'s Acting TV and Film Editor, Nicky Morris, noted: "The Inbetweeners is one of Britain's most treasured sitcoms. Undoubtedly one of the most successful comedies of the 21st century, the show about a group of suburban school friends amassed a legion of dedicated fans after its debut on E4 in 2008.

"The authentic chemistry between the four lead stars was simply perfect and there's no doubt that fans would love to see the actors team up again."

What was The Inbetweeners about?

Airing between 2008 and 2010, the sitcom followed the misadventures of Simon Cooper, Jay Cartwright, Will McKenzie (Simon Bird) and Neil Sutherland (Blake Harrison) at the fictional Rudge Park Comprehensive.

Aimed at a teen audience, the series dealt with issues such as masculinity, sexuality, male bonding and lad culture and many of its scenes and phrases entered popular lexicon, including the teasing 'fwiend'.

Simon Bird standing with Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas and James Buckley with a BAFTA Award© Joanne Davidson/Shutterstock
The series starred Simon Bird, Blake Harrison, Joe Thomas and James Buckley

Although the series didn't immediately hit critical success, it soon became incredibly popular, scooping a total of 13 awards and a further 14 nominations.

The series also led to two movies and a reunion special filmed in 2019. However, the latter ended up being negatively received, leading to an apology from the show's Joe Thomas.

Blake Harrison with Joe Thomas, James Buckley and Simon Bird© David Fisher/Shutterstock
Reception to the series was initially mixed, but it has since become a beloved sitcom

The series also helped launch the career of Emily Atack, who played a popular girl who briefly had a relationship with Will, and also featured Greg Davies as Mr Phil Gilbert, the head of the school's sixth form.

See the cast as they were

Simon Bird in an episode of The Inbetweeners© Shutterstock

Simon Bird

As main character Will McKenzie, Simon featured in many of the show's plots, which often left his character in unfortunate situations. Since appearing in the show, Simon has had lead roles in Friday Night Dinners, Sandylands and Everyone Else Burns.

Joe Thomas in a suit and a coat© David Fisher/Shutterstock

Joe Thomas

Simon Cooper's on-off relationship with 'Queen Bee' Carli D'Amato provided plenty of the show's funnier and heartwarming moments. Joe has since appeared in Fresh Meat and White Gold.

James Buckley sat in a shirt and jacket© Ken McKay/Shutterstock

James Buckley

James is unrecognisable with Jay Cartwright's blonde mop nowadays. The star played the sex-obsessed teen in the series before going on to star in Doctor Who, Finders Keepers and White Gold, alongside co-star Joe.

Blake Harrison in a suit© Jonathan Hordle/Shutterstock

Blake Harrison

Blake found fame as Neil Sutherland in the hit comedy series. Since appearing in the show, the actor has appeared in Dad's Army, World on Fire and children's series Bob the Builder.

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