The introduction of Derry Girls in 2017 has seen Lisa McGee's creation flourish and become a global sensation. The local writer has wowed the world with her sitcom about five working-class kids from Derry in the mid-90s.
The third and final series of Derry Girls is set to hit our screens on Tuesday, April 12 on Channel 4 and All4. Filming wrapped up on the final season of the show last year, after time off due to Covid-19.
When previously speaking about plans for the new series, Ms McGee gave a glimpse of what fans of the show can expect.
Read more: Derry Girls creator stunned after The Simpsons pays tribute to hit sitcom
"They're still eejits and they'll still get into a lot of trouble but they're certainly going to grow up and there's a personal journey they'll go on," Ms McGee told RCN TV.
It's an exciting time for them as they're just on the cusp of adulthood. And people can recognise themselves and we've all been a d*** when we were young, maybe, and there's a fondness [for the girls] because they're so flawed and stupid at times."
Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Erin), Nicola Coughlan (Clare), Jamie-Lee O'Donnell (Michelle), Louisa Harland (Orla) and Dylan Llewellyn (James) are all set to reprise their roles when it comes to our screens later this year.
The show has become a smash hit across the world and is highly revered by the people of Derry. Since it began in January 2018, Derry Girls managed to perfectly encapsulate the humour and heart of those from Derry.
The show has made its mark on the city, with Derry Girls themes walking tours, merchandise and of course, the now-infamous Derry Girls mural. And Ms McGee said she believes that the close-knit friendship between the four girls and the wee English fella is why audiences feel so connected with the group.
"What I've always said about the show is [that] because the backdrop was so unpredictable, I wanted that group to be a really solid, secure little group of friends. I think they'll be friends for life," added the Derry-born writer. "I don't think anyone will change enough to quite outgrow the friendship group."
Meanwhile, chatting to the Radio Times, Ms McGee added: "I suppose we'd be in the peacetime then, and that was interesting for all sorts of reasons, because it was so different, and then there was real fear I think, because we started to realise what there was to lose. So all that is hugely interesting."
And when asked about a potential romance between James and Erin, Lisa said: "I've always thought James likes her, but I think he maybe doesn't even understand that yet, and I don’t know when that'll, it might happen when they're much older, so it might not actually happen in our show. "
You can catch Derry Girls on Channel 4 at 9:15pm on Tuesday, April 12.
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.