After an 18-year hiatus, a beloved BBC comedy series is making a comeback with a twist. The show's format will change significantly, bosses have announced. Marking its 25th anniversary, the acclaimed satire 'Dead Ringers' is embarking on its first-ever full UK tour. The celebrated topical comedy show has won multiple awards for its sharp political and cultural commentary.

The tour will showcase veteran cast members Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis McLeod, and Duncan Wisbey, taking fans through a retrospective of iconic sketches and spot-on impressions that have become synonymous with the show. Although the stars of 'Dead Ringers' have previously united for stage performances in London and at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, this nationwide tour represents a new venture for the programme.

This tour also serves as a homage to the late Bill Dare, the creator and producer of 'Dead Ringers', who passed away unexpectedly in March. His agency, JFL Agency, confirmed his passing, with a spokesperson stating: "We are shocked and greatly saddened to have to announce the death of our brilliant client Bill Dare, who died at the weekend following an accident overseas," reports .

"Our thoughts are with his wife Lucy, daughter Rebecca, and with all of Bill's family and friends who will be devastated by his loss. Bill was a truly legendary producer and writer, and his comedy instincts were second to none."

Bill was a towering personality in radio and TV comedy, with credits on legendary shows like The Now Show, Spitting Image, and The Mary Whitehouse Experience.

The crew from Dead Ringers is expressing their pride in embarking on a tour celebrating his influential career. Come September, fans can expect a live showcase with the iconic blend of sharp humour, playful mischievousness, and celebrity mimicry that Dead Ringers is famed for.

In the meantime, the radio version resumes its clever commentary this June on BBC Radio 4's Friday Night Comedy slot. Note that the tour promises unique content not intended to be broadcast.

Despite its television counterpart being shelved in 2009 after seven seasons, the show remains memorable. Star Jan Ravens remarked back then: "It's bizarre. There was no announcement or anything.

"The producer just rang me and said it's not going to be re-commissioned. It would be nice to make an announcement or do a farewell edition of the show."

During its broadcast tenure, Jan tackled the voices of numerous figures, from Amy Winehouse to Ann Robinson, over a noteworthy nine-year span.