Doug Naylor

Behind-the-scenes: Red Dwarf X

"We're going back to classic Red Dwarf," says Doug Naylor of what to expect of the new series, while keeping the details a closely guarded secret.

Paul Jackson, great practical grammarian of British television, on how Alan Simpson and Ray Galton's comedy characters, born on a BBC pilot programme in 1962, ruled the airwaves for 13 years after (with native versions in America, Sweden and Holland) and have influenced other British writers over several generations. Simpson and Galton join him, as do Maurice Gran and Laurence Marks of Birds of a Feather, Rob Grant and Doug Naylor of Red Dwarf, as well as Peter Flannery of Our Friends in the North.

Back To Earth (Part 3) Review

Smeg. Doug Naylor scratches a particularly irritating Blade Runner itch (references to which may be lost on younger fans), then restages the twist ending to Series V's "Back To Reality". The clue was there: he only changed one word in the title.

My ambivalence towards the brief return of Red Dwarf for a three-part reunion special has been noted previously, but after seeing the picture of Lister, Rimmer et al wandering down Coronation Street, my heart of ice melted. A little. It looks like a fun catch up with some old friends if truth be told, but I hope that won't stop Doug Naylor writing some lines that are actually funny. Remember, every sitcom needs equal measure of sit and com! But perhaps the world does need the return of Red Dwarf after all. The three-part special continues over the Easter weekend, with various documentaries and clips shows to celebrate being back in the Red one last time.

Eureka!: Red Dwarf: Back to Earth

Advances in digital ushered in a new era for Red Dwarf, says co-creator Doug Naylor.