The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird says he thinks reviving the sitcom would be ‘a terrible idea’

The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird says that reviving the sitcom would be a ‘terrible idea’ and is not sure they could get away with some things said today.

The British actor, 38, has only recently told of how he thinks the show ‘wasn’t an accurate reflection of how teenagers spoke’, and has now reinforced that idea.

Speaking to the Radio Times in their latest issue, Simon, who starred as the lead character Will McKenzie on the show which ran from 2008-2010, has reflected on the time spent on the hugely popular E4 programme.

‘Terrible idea’: The Inbetweeners star Simon Bird says that reviving the sitcom would be a ‘terrible idea’ and is not sure they could get away with some things said today

On being interested to revive The Inbetweeners now, Simon said: ‘My instinct is it would be a terrible idea. What was funny about these characters was the stage of life they were at.

‘They could get away with some of the terrible things they said and did because they were still essentially children.

‘If they got back together now, I’m not sure that would be funny. I think it might just be sort of sad and creepy.’

Speaking to The Telegraph about how times have changed since The Inbetweeners aired, Simon said: ‘I honestly think it wouldn’t be commissioned today.’

No chance of revival: Simon, who starred as the lead character Will McKenzie on the show which ran from 2008-2010, has reflected on the time spent on the hugely popular E4 show

The actor added that he doesn’t think the show has aged well due to the sexism and ‘casual homophobia’ displayed by the characters.

He said: ‘I rationalise it to myself by saying that at the time it was an accurate representation of the way teenagers talk to each other. Is that still the case now? I assume not.’

Simon added: ‘Although the programme was set in the 2000s, it was based on a pilot set in 1990, so even in the 2000s it wasn’t really an accurate reflection of how teenagers spoke.’

The show was such a success that it spawned two films and was also nominated for Best Situation Comedy at the BAFTAs twice.

Comedy classic: The British actor, 38, has only recently told of how he thinks the show ‘wasn’t an accurate reflection of how teenagers spoke’, and has now reinforced that idea

Along with Simon, it also starred Joe Thomas, James Buckley and Blake Harrison while Emily Atack had a recurring role. 

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Simon was asked if he would ever return to his role as the much-loved briefcase w****r.

He replied: ‘It’s a hard no, I’m afraid. It just wouldn’t be the show people want or remember. Much better to leave it as a happy memory.

‘Cut to us all doing a third film for Netflix next year … Anything’s possible. Honestly, you can’t trust a single word I’ve said in this interview. It’s all filler, no killer.’ 

Latest: Simon spoke to the Radio Times in their latest issue (cover is pictured). On being interested to revive The Inbetweeners, Simon said: ‘My instinct is it would be a terrible idea