New story set one year on, against the Good Friday Agreement

A secret extra episode of Derry Girls has been shot to wrap up the stories of the pupils at Our Lady Immaculate College.

The extended episode – running for 45 minutes rather than the usual 30 – is set against a key moment in Northern Irish history: the vote over the Good Friday Agreement.

It will be broadcast next month, in the same week the last of the six regular episodes of season three airs on Channel 4.

The story moves forward a year as the gang prepare for their final year of school. According to the synopsis, the timing of the political breakthrough ‘couldn’t be any worse as the highlight of the year, Erin and Orla’s joint 18th birthday party, threatens to be overshadowed’.

Creator Lisa McGee said: ‘Like all the very best 90s bands, I couldn’t resist ending our farewell tour with an encore for our loyal fans. 

‘I'm delighted to say we'll be returning for one extended special - airing in the same week as our final episode.

‘The special deals with the historic and momentous Good Friday Agreement vote , which coincides with the gang’s coming of age, they enter adulthood just as Northern Ireland embarks on a new future.

‘I’m so proud of this show and of our incredible cast and crew and everything we’ve achieved over the past five years. 

‘What a journey it’s been. I'm so grateful Channel 4 gave me the space to end the stories of these characters that mean so much to me with this special. I really hope the fans love it as much as I do .

‘Derry people aren’t great at saying Goodbye so I will instead use one of our native expressions " That’s us away now", Love Lisa McGee, always a Derry Girl.’

Derry Girls stars Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell and Dylan Llewellyn and the pupils alongside Tommy Tiernan as  Gerry and Siobhan McSweeney as Sister Michael.  The show is made by Hat Trick Productions.

Published: 29 Apr 2022