An Inbetweeners star has opened up about the “breakdown” he had which was caught on camera when filming for one of the popular comedy films around 14 years ago.
In 2011, The Inbetweeners Movie was released, following on from the success of the E4 series which aired from 2008-2010.
But over a decade later, Joe Thomas, who played the role of Simon Cooper alongside Simon Bird (Will McKenzie), James Buckley (Jay Cartwright) and Blake Harrison (Neil Sutherland), has now spoken about a moment of “panic” that was recorded when shooting the first film, which was later included as a DVD “blooper”.
While appearing on the latest episode of the Joe and James Fact Up podcast, Joe recalled having a “handful” of twitches when performing over the years, including at a university play.
Discussing the personal matter, his Inbetweeners co-star James said: “Unfairly, I think, this became a DVD extra at one point, when Joe was having a breakdown.”
Speaking about the footage which appeared as part of the outtake extras of the original Inbetweeners film DVD, James continued: “Joe’s having a panic about something… and he goes ‘sorry can I just have 10 seconds.
“He gets 10 seconds, he goes ‘well that did absolutely nothing’.
“That was like a blooper.”
Joe added: “I was always asking for these short breaks where I try and really, really, really quickly try and get my entire head together.
“I’d be like ‘it will take about six or nine seconds, can I just… I can’t do it’.”
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Commenting on what it was like to film Inbetweeners which was “the best job in the world”, James shared: “It was so much fun but we also did put so much pressure on ourselves.
“It’s really ironic when you think about it, but there was such a pressure to be funny. We were obsessed with being funny."
Joe explained: “Feeling like you were supposed to be funny and you weren’t funny, and then the scene being over, is the worst feeling in the world.”
Is Inbetweeners returning in 2026?
In October this year, it was revealed The Inbetweeners could make a return as a new deal between Banijay UK and Fudge Park Productions (the company founded by the series’ writers and creators, Iain Morris and Damon Beesley), had unlocked the rights of the comedy title.
Beesley and Morris said it was “incredibly exciting to be plotting more adventures for our four favourite friends (ooh friends)”.
Jonathan Blyth, managing director at Fudge Park, said: “We are thrilled to announce this exciting partnership with Banijay who share our vision and ambition for one of the most iconic comedies in British history.
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“This is a wonderful moment for fans, there are exciting conversations afoot and more news to follow.”
Patrick Holland, chief executive at Banijay UK, added: “I have worked with Damon and Iain on a number of Fudge Park projects over the years and was delighted to pick up the conversation about the future of The Inbetweeners with them.
“They have an infectious creative vision for the brand which will resonate with audiences old and new so I can’t wait to get going.”
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