Little Britain is a show that has faced much criticism in recent times due to its controversial style of humour but was hugely popular when it first aired.

Starting on radio in 2000 it made the transition to TV in 2003 with co-creators Matt Lucas and David Walliams playing the vast majority of the characters.

It ran for three series, finishing in 2006, but returned for a US spinoff in Little Britain USA, several Comic Relief specials and a one-off Little Brexit radio special in 2019.

In the past few years, Little Britain has faced criticism due to its treatment of racial and ethnic minority groups and was removed from BBC iPlayer, Netflix and BritBox in 2020 due to its use of blackface.

This Is Wiltshire: Matt Lucas and David Walliams co-created Little BritainMatt Lucas and David Walliams co-created Little Britain (Image: PA)

Both Lucas and Walliams have since apologised for how much of the humour was written, and the show was restored to BBC iPlayer in 2022 after certain characters were removed and a content warning included.

In February 2023, Lucas revealed on the Deeney Talks podcast that he and Walliams were working on a completely new sketch show together, that would see them take a different approach to when they made Little Britain.

The aim is to have more diverse talent on-screen and in the writer's room, with Lucas emphasising the importance of having "other voices" there.

Little Britain created many recognisable characters, and here are some people might remember.

A guide to Little Britain characters

Lou and Andy

Lou and Andy might be the most recognisable characters from Little Britain, with Lou being a carer for Andy who feigns needing a wheelchair.

This Is Wiltshire: David Walliams as Lou and Matt Lucas as AndyDavid Walliams as Lou and Matt Lucas as Andy (Image: PA)

Whilst Lou is a kind and patient character Andy is selfish and lazy, deliberately making things difficult for Lou.

The pair appeared in every episode of the show except the pilot.

Vicky Pollard

Vicky Pollard is another incredibly recognisable character from the show and is a parody of a 'chav' from the West Country.

Portrayed by Lucas, she is quite a brash and coarse character, known for catchphrases such as "Yeah, but, no, but, yeah, but...".

Daffyd Thomas

Daffyd Thomas, portrayed by Lucas, is from the small Welsh village of Llanddewi Brefi and proclaims he is the only gay man in the village.

He dresses in a vast variety of tight PVC and latex rubber clothing, with the jokes about his character all relating to him wanting to be victimised for his supposed homosexuality.

Despite the fact there is actually a significant gay community in the village he refuses to associate with them.

Mr Mann

Mr Mann, portrayed by Walliams, is a customer who shops in various stores and will ask for ridiculously specific items, such as 'a painting of a disappointed horse'.

Earlier sketches have the shopkeeper Roy unable to fulfil Mr Mann's requests but in later ones, he becomes accustomed to it.

Marjorie Dawes

Marjorie Dawes, portrayed by Lucas, is a woman who runs a branch of a weight loss group called 'Fat Fighters'.

Despite being overweight herself she constantly belittles the group for being fat and is a very mean-spirited individual.