Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton are back with an array of starry acting talent.
More performers are bravely stepping Inside No. 9 with Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith this week as the duo offer their twisted take on an uncommon phobia.
Season 8, episode three of the anthology series is titled (deep breath) Paraskevidekatriaphobia, which refers to a fear of Friday the 13th – regarded in the western world to be an unlucky day in the calendar year.
Shearsmith plays Gareth Beckman, a frightened man who suffers some unwanted houseguests on the dreaded occasion, while Sherlock star Amanda Abbington makes a guest appearance as his wife, Dana.
It has been confirmed that later episodes will feature Asim Chaudhry (People Just Do Nothing), Claire Rushbrook (My Mad Fat Diary) and Frances Barber (Dreamland), among others.
Keen to know more about this week’s characters? Read on for everything you need to know about the Inside No. 9 season 8 cast.
Episode 3: Paraskevidekatriaphobia
Reece Shearsmith plays Gareth Beckman
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Who is Gareth Beckman? Gareth is a nervous man, who suffers from paraskevidekatriaphobia – a fear of Friday the 13th.
What else has Reece Shearsmith been in? The English actor, writer and comedian was a member of The League of Gentlemen with Pemberton, Mark Gatiss and Jeremy Dyson. He has also starred in Spaced, Peter Kay’s Car Share, Good Omens and Apple TV+’s Foundation. More recently, he has starred in feature films See How They Run, Venom: Let There Be Carnage and BBC Two sitcom The Witchfinder.
Amanda Abbington plays Dana Beckman
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Who is Dana Beckman? Dana is Gareth’s wife, who is concerned about his mental health.
What else has Amanda Abbington been in? Recently, Abbington appeared in We Are Not Alone, a sci-fi comedy from the creators of Ghosts. Her previous credits include Mary Morstan in Sherlock and Josie Mardle in Mr Selfridge, while she also had a guest role on Psychoville (another series from Shearsmith and Pemberton).
Steve Pemberton plays Barry Styles
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Who is Barry Styles? Barry is a tradesman called to Gareth’s house on the unluckiest day of the year.
What else has Steve Pemberton been in? Pemberton is well known for his collaborations with Shearsmith on The League of Gentlemen and Psychoville. Outside of comedy, Pemberton has starred in a slate of TV dramas including Happy Valley season 1, Whitechapel and Lewis. He has also starred in Good Omens, Worzel Gummidge, Death in Paradise, Benidorm and Killing Eve.
Samantha Spiro plays Sue
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Who is Sue? Sue is a postwoman looking to deliver a parcel.
What else has Samantha Spiro been in? Viewers may recognise Spiro for her performance as Maureen Groff in Netflix’s comedy-drama Sex Education. Other recent projects include BBC dramas Ridley Road and Call The Midwife, as well as long-running sitcom Not Going Out.
Episode 2: Mother’s Ruin
Reece Shearsmith plays Edward
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Who is Edward? Edward is one of the sons of Harry and Annie Blackwood. He’s been undertaking some research of his own, making appointments at the British Library to access books and Googling things.
Steve Pemberton plays Harry
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Who is Harry? Harry is Ed’s brother and together, they’re trying to figure out the details of their parent’s criminal past.
Anita Dobson plays Frances
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Who is Frances? Frances is married to Reggie and together the pair are the new owners of Ed and Harry’s mother’s home.
What else has Anita Dobson been in? Dobson is perhaps best known for her role as Angie Watts in EastEnders from 1985 to 1988 but has also had an illustrious music and stage career, starring in productions like Wicked, Hamlet and Fiddler on the Roof. She took part in the 2011 run of Strictly Come Dancing and has also been cast in the upcoming season of Doctor Who.
Phil Daniels plays Reggie
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Who is Reggie? Reggie is one of the new owners of Ed and Harry’s mother’s home but when Reggie and Frances return home early, will drama ensue?
What else has Phil Daniels been in? Daniels has starred in a long list of TV shows and films but most recently has been seen on our screens in the final season of Endeavour and House of the Dragon. He is well known for playing the role of Kevin Wicks in EastEnders, as well as his roles in Quadrophenia, Scum, New Tricks and Outlaws.
Inside No. 9 season 8 premieres on BBC Two and iPlayer at 10pm on Thursday 27th April 2023. Check out more of our Comedy coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what’s on.
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