A “bitter sweet comedy drama about a group of outsiders living on society’s margins”, the pilot achieved a consolidated audience of 3.2m – Channel 4’s highest rating scripted comedy in nearly two years.

Shane Allen, Channel 4 Head of Comedy, commented: “Ricky is a leading voice in British comedy and through Derek he captures and reflects something of the spirit of modern society. A kind-hearted character in a world which TV normally shies away from, it feels like a perfect new direction for Ricky. The pilot triggered an amazing response and Derek’s story had only just begun so it’s brilliant that we can explore this world and its beautifully drawn characters across a series.”

Derek will air on Channel 4 early next year.

Are you looking forward to the return of Derek? Let us know below…

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Watch a clip from Life’s Too Short…