As Blackadder returns to television screens, what have the cast been up to in between seasons?

It’s a case of good news, and bad news for fans of the legendary British comedy Blackadder; the good news is that the characters from the show are set to appear in a one-off special for Comic Relief 2023. The bad news is however a large, Edmund Blackadder-shaped hole where the character should be.

Breaking the news Tuesday morning on BBC Radio 2 Breakfast with stand-in host Greg Davies, writer Richard Curtis confirmed the revised historical comedy series will make another one-off return to television, after the release of Blackadder: Back and Forth in 1999. That one-off was created specifically for The Millennium Dome, now known as London’s The O2, before being screened on Sky One shortly before the year 2000.

Speaking to Davies, the Love Actually writer admitted that Rowan Atkinson would not be taking part in the one-off, stating that "No, Rowan’s far too serious to do any of that!"

Instead, the one-off will follow Blackadder’s trusted, if not sometimes mistreated sidekick Baldrick, played by Sir Tony Robinson. "For the first time in 20 years, Baldrick is going to be giving some kind of performance," he said.

"We’re just conspiring about it now, so I think there’s going to be a marvellous, turnip-based thing with Tony Robinson now back in action, so I’m excited about that."

The news is a U-turn from the team, who previously had stated that they had lost the lust to create a new series of Rowan Atkinson’s beloved anti-hero. In 2022, series co-writer Ben Elton admitted to the Radio Times that “we [Richard Curtis] were a great team and I’ve talked so many times about doing something else. Not Blackadder again, I don’t think either of us feel any appetite to do that."

As fans looking forward to this new spin on the folklore of Baldrick and Blackadder, Peopleworld has taken a look at what the cast of the last full series of the show, Blackadder Goes Forth, have been doing in between storming over the trenches to whatever escapade Baldrick will find himself in.

Sir Tony Robinson (Baldrick)

It might be a daunting task for Sir Tony Robinson to helm a beloved television series without its titular characters, but it’s a challenge Robinson seems up for. Robinson is no stranger to leading a television series, becoming the main presenter for Channel 4’s Time Team programme between 1994 and 2001.

That presenting role landed Robinson more widespread hosting jobs, but in the realm of history rather than game show presenting. He’s presented history documentaries for Channel 5 and the History Channel, while also finding time for the odd acting role - most recently in The Madame Blanc Mysteries in 2022 while donning his baking apron for The Great Christmas Bake Off late last year.

We are still awaiting that Maid Marian and Her Merry Men reunion though - something Robinson has also alluded to in recent times.

Hugh Laurie (Lieutenant George)

Could Hugh Laurie be the most successful cast member from the Blackadder franchise? Shortly after completing Blackadder Goes Forth, Laurie worked with fellow Footlights member Stephen Fry in the sketch series A Bit of Fry & Laurie from 1989 to 1995, while also managing to appear in the live-action adaptation of 101 Dalmatians in 1996 and Stuart Little in 1999.

But it was television that helped cement Laurie as a household name in the UK, so fitting that it would be television that also made him a household name in the United States. In 2004, Laurie landed the role of Dr. Gregory House in the hit Fox drama House, fooling producers with an audition with a flawless American accent and nursing a fever at the same time.

His role landed him two Golden Globe awards and demonstrated Laurie’s knack for playing serious characters, rather than silly-hards like Lt. George or Prince George. Perhaps the one-off will see a more serious role for Laurie… or maybe we’ll once again laugh along with Laurie in one of the first hallowed acting roles.

Stephen Fry (General Melchett)

Some would be more than happy to call Stephen Fry “the voice of England,” through his extensive voice acting work - with a legion of Harry Potter fans becoming more than familiar with the luvvie’s dulcet, rich tones through his narration in the audiobook versions.

Fry also became the long-serving host for BBC Two’s popular quiz show QI, while still finding the time to appear on the big screen in either action films (V For Vendetta), fantasy (The Hobbit series) or taking up the reins behind the camera (Bright Young Things).

One of his finest moments after filming Blackadder Goes Forth was his role as Oscar Wilde in the 1997 film Wilde. It was a role that by Fry’s admission he was born to play given his likeness and similar tendencies to the historical figure.

Just less said about his first theatre performance after the show ended - it was during 1995’s production of Cell Mates that Fry abandoned the production after a bad review which led to the revelation he suffers from bipolar disorder.

Tim McInnerny (Captain Kevin Darling)

A mainstay of British television, Tim McInnerny has found continued fame on the small screen after the completion of Blackadder Goes Forth appearing in a diverse number of productions including Channel 4 mystery Utopia, BBC One hit Sherlock and even appearing in four episodes of landmark HBO show Game of Thrones as Robett Glover.

McInnery also carved out a small career on the silver screen, perhaps most recognized for his role as bumbling manager Richard in the 2006 comedy-horror Severance opposite a pre-Eastenders Danny Dyer. He is set to lend his voice also in the upcoming psychological thriller Marooned Awakening, featuring current You actress Tilly Keeper and set for release on February 21 2023.

Need a refresher on the life and times of Baldrick ahead of his one-off special for Comic Relief? BBC iPlayer has the entire series available on demand for your viewing pleasure.