Little Britain is set to return to terrestrial TV this Christmas to mark its 20th anniversary.

The controversial comedy show, created by Matt Lucas and David Walliams first aired on BBC Three back in 2003 before later moving to BBC One.

Little Britain ended in 2006 but returned for several specials and an American spin-off.

However, following backlash of the show's content, it was removed from streaming services including BBC iPlayer and Netflix.

The BBC shared they chose to remove Little Britain as ‘times have changed’ but in 2022, the comedy show returned to iPlayer whilst Netflix continues with the ban.

However, now Little Britain will return to terrestrial TV for its 20th anniversary this Christmas.

Little Britain to return to TV this Christmas

Little Britain will return to Freeview channel That’s TV, as the broadcaster shared: “That’s TV has announced that it will broadcast all three seasons of Little Britain as part of its festive Christmas and New Year line-up.”

As That’s TV’s head of programming, Kris Vaiksalu, said: “On this anniversary, it’s extra special for us to be able to show Little Britain every night as part of our Christmas week comedy festival.”

The comedy show will be back on TV starting on Saturday, December 16 and will continue into 2024.

Gazette & Herald: David Walliams and Matt Lucas.David Walliams and Matt Lucas. (Image: PA)

The show often featured both Lucas and Walliams playing characters of different races as the pair would colour their skin.

Lucas and Walliams later said how they regretted portraying the characters on Little Britain, sharing in a joint statement: “Matt and I have both spoken publicly in recent years of our regret that we played characters of other races.

“Once again we want to make it clear that it was wrong and we are very sorry.”

Although Little Britain will be back on TV, the Freeview broadcaster did confirm that there will be some changes to the show.

As Vaiksalu added the show had been edited, sharing: “We carefully consider the expectations of our audience and the episodes of Little Britain we are showing have been edited in collaboration with Matt and David. We’ve studied Ofcom’s research and are confident that all of our shows this Christmas comply with all Ofcom rules.”