Actor recalls fond memories of collaborating with McCrory in the show’s early years ahead of its final season.
As Inside No. 9 prepares for its ninth and final series, Reece Shearsmith, one of the show’s creators and stars, has shared his heartfelt memories of working with the late Helen McCrory. McCrory, known for her roles in Peaky Blinders and the Harry Potter films, passed away in 2021 at the age of 52 after battling cancer. She appeared in the very first series of Inside No. 9, where she portrayed an eccentric character alongside Shearsmith.
Reflecting on their collaboration, Shearsmith fondly recalled their time together: “Helen was a joy to work with,” he said. “She hadn’t really done much comedy before, but she was excited about the role and she brought something truly special to it. I remember asking her to play this comedic part, and she was magnificent in it.”
McCrory and Shearsmith starred as eccentric twins Hector and Tabitha in The Harrowing, a gothic horror-themed episode that remains a standout in the anthology series.
Shearsmith also shared that beyond the acting, it’s the process of creating the show that he will miss the most. “It’s the writing and the moments shared with Steve [Pemberton] that I’ll really miss. The meetings, the laughter, even when we’re under pressure to come up with ideas—there’s always something to laugh about. It’s more than just work; it’s time spent with my best friend.”
Inside No. 9 has been a critical success since its debut in 2014, with its unique structure of standalone episodes linked by the number nine. The show’s acclaim peaked in 2021 when it won Best Scripted Comedy at the TV Bafta awards.
In addition to the final season of Inside No. 9, Shearsmith and Pemberton are also turning their talents to the stage, with a new West End play titled Stage/Fright. The duo, known for their work on The League of Gentlemen, are currently writing the production, in which they will also perform.
Inside No. 9 will return to screens for its final series at 10pm on May 8, airing on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.
