Ah go on! Father Ted to make musical comeback

The show’s co-writer Graham Linehan revealed on Twitter that a stage version of the much-loved comedy is “nearly written”.

The play, named Pope Ted – Father Ted Musical, has been created by Linehan and the show’s other original co-writer, Arthur Matthews.

It will reportedly see Ted move from his hometo become Pope in Vatican City.

Linehan has not confirmed when or where the musical will debut, but said he hopes it will be on the stage in 2019.

The music has been written by Neil Hannon from The Divine Comedy, with the orchestral pop band having written the theme of the original TV series.

After revealing the comeback on Twitter, Linehan confirmed: “This is true and not one of my stupid jokes, I promise.

“Didn’t want to do something until the right idea came along. This was the right idea.

“Arthur and I have been laughing our arses off while writing it. Just like the old days.”

Linehan did not reveal if any actors are already being considered for the leading roles.

Father Ted followed the lives of three priests and their housekeeper on the fictional Craggy Island off the west coast of Ireland.

Dermot Morgan, who died from a heart attack in 1998, played the hapless Father Ted Crilly, while Ardal O’Hanlon played his dim-witted housemate Father Dougal McGuire.

Frank Kelly, who died from a heart attack in 2016, played the permanently-drunk Father Jack Hackett, while Pauline McLynn was the eccentric housekeeper Mrs Doyle.

It ran for three series on Channel 4 between April 1995 and May 1998.