Controversial BBC sitcom Little Britain 'is poised for a return 20 years after it was axed with hopes it could move to a streaming service'

Little Britain is reportedly poised for a return to screens, 20 years after it was axed.

The iconic sitcom famously starred David Walliams and Matt Lucas as a string of characters, including Vicky Pollard, Lou and Andy and Carol the uptight receptionist.

Now, sources are claiming that David and Matt have hinted the show could be heading back to screens by reviving Little Britain Ltd, the company behind the show.

However, it's thought that the controversial show is more likely to be picked up by a streaming service.

Little Britain was pulled from BBC iPlayer, Netflix and BritBox in June 2020 after concerns that the use of blackface characters on the series is no longer acceptable. 

The series - which aired on BBC Three and One - had 44 episodes, which aired over three seasons between 2003 and 2006. 

A source said: 'Little Britain isn't just one of the most popular shows, it's also one of the most controversial.'

They went on to tell The Sun: 'So it's unlikely to be returning to BBC One or one of the other main channels.

'It's much more likely to end up going to one of the streamers who are making braver decisions.'

Netflix is no stranger to reviving edgy comedies, as they are currently developing a third Inbetweeners movie.

The Daily Mail has contacted a representative for BBC for comment.

In January, David said he 'thought there was a future' for Little Britain, and he said: 'Yes, I think so – I mean, it's a different world now, isn't it?'

'Ricky I saw live recently, and I was shocked – not in a bad way, but even I was going, "Oh my goodness" – and they're all on Netflix.

'You sort of can’t get cancelled there. Netflix isn’t going to take anything off. I think it’s different to maybe how things used to be.'

Last year, David and Matt hinted that they had a new project together in the works, while joking they 'can't be cancelled again.'

Speaking on Lorraine, David shared at the time that his son Alfred, 13, and his school pals had discovered clips of the comedy on TikTok.

He said: 'Everyone at his school is talking about it. As you rightly said, TikTok, people are sharing on TikTok. 

'It's a whole new generation discovering it. I think those social media things are great for one/two minute clips.' 

'I don't know about you, but someone says every day is there going to be more Little Britain. 

'Every day someone comes up to me in the street.' 

Last week, it was revealed that HarperCollins will no longer print books David had written, nine months after dropping the author following allegations of inappropriate behaviour.

Walliams was accused of harassing employees at the firm and a probe was carried out after one of them raised a complaint. He has always denied any wrongdoing.

The TV star, real name David Edward Williams, is estimated to have sold £100million worth of books including The Boy In The Dress, Fing, and Gangsta Granny.