*Warning - this article contains major spoilers for IT: Welcome to Derry*.

One of the year's most popular shows, based on a successful adaptation, has unveiled a significant link between one of its characters and the original narrative from Stephen King's novel.

IT: Welcome to Derry began airing for UK audiences a few months ago, just in time for Halloween on Sky Atlantic, and is also available for streaming on NOW for those with an entertainment pass.

New episodes were released every Monday, with the chilling finale only just becoming available today (December 15), bringing the eerie series to a close.

The series draws inspiration from King's 1986 novel IT, particularly the 'interlude' sections that explore Derry's history and the sinister, child-snatching clown that resides in its sewers.

Bill Skarsgard reprised his unsettling role as Pennywise the Clown, a character he portrayed in both films released in 2017 and 2019 respectively. However, he isn't the only link to those series, reports the Daily Record.

Who is Richie Tozier's mother in IT: Welcome to Derry?

In the final episode, the remaining group of youngsters - Marge Truman, Ronnie Grogan, and Lilly Bainbridge - join forces to defeat Pennywise the Clown and save their friend Will Hanlon using an ancient weapon.

In their confrontation, Pennywise manages to seize Marge, but instead of killing her, he engages in a chilling conversation. He addresses her as Margaret Tozier, leaving Marge perplexed as she denies that surname.

Pennywise then unveils his knowledge of her future, including her son Richie and his friends who ultimately defeat him.

Pennywise's non-linear perception of time suggests his intention was to eliminate Marge, thereby preventing Richie's birth. Although his plan fails, Marge confides in Lilly about the encounter.

Initially dismissing it as Pennywise's mind games, Marge speculates that their ancestors could be in danger.

Who is Richie Tozier in IT?

Richie Tozier is a pivotal character in the original IT novel and its film adaptations. In the 2017 movie, he is portrayed by Stranger Things' Finn Wolfhard, with Bill Hader taking on the adult role in the 2019 sequel.

Following the events of Welcome to Derry, it appears he is named after his mother's friend, Rich Santos. Richie is part of The Losers Club, a group of children who triumph over Pennywise after enduring his torment.

when will season 2 of IT Welcome to Derry come out?

Andy Muschietti, the show's co-creator, previously hinted at a reverse chronological narrative spanning three seasons.

The opening season takes place in 1962, with a prospective second series set in 1935 and a third in 1908. Speaking to attendees at New York Comic Con, he explained the programme offers "a story that is told not forward but a story that is told backward and has a final conclusion - the events in which IT becomes Pennywise."

Welcome to Derry hasn't yet received the green light from HBO for additional seasons, though numerous viewers anticipate confirmation is imminent. Should the network commission further episodes, audiences may face a considerable wait.

Comic Book Club Live reports the inaugural season's filming stretched to nearly twelve months, hampered by industrial action. With production on a second season yet to commence, a 2027 transmission date appears more realistic.