Stephen Fry joins fantasy comedy series

Sky 1 has recommissioned fantasy comedy Yonderland for a third series, which will also see the addition of a new character played by actor, author and broadcaster Stephen Fry.

Stephen Fry joins the series – created written and starring Mathew Baynton, Simon Farnaby, Martha Howe-Douglas, Jim Howick, Laurence Rickard and Ben Willbond – as Cuddly Dick, a former Elder who returns to Yonderland having been imprisoned for years by the now-dead Imperatrix. Cuddly Dick is a charming, avuncular eccentric who loves nothing more than to spread love and kindness (as well as plenty of hugs and kisses).

Meanwhile, with Imperatrix gone, Negatus now answers to no-one and can seize control of Yonderland for himself. But will his fellow Overlords have other ideas?

Debbie, having allied with her evil sister to destroy the weapon she created, has finally fulfilled the great prophecy, ushering in the mythical “Second Age”. But will it be a time of peace and prosperity, or will an even darker cloud spread across the land?

Peter (Dan Renton Skinner) has no memory of his brief trip to Yonderland, thanks to Debbie undoing all the pipplefruit wishes. However, still struggling with the apparent dysfunction within the house, he has hit upon a bold solution: a new start for the family in a new house in a new town… which would mean Debbie leaving the magical portal in her kitchen cupboard.

Working Title Television’s Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner said: “We are delighted to be bringing Yonderland back for a third series. In Cuddly Dick, our incredibly talented writers have created a very funny and surprising character to add to the other assorted idiots of Yonderland, and to have Stephen Fry joining to the team to play him is the icing on the cake. We could not be more pleased.”

The creators of Yonderland said: “As such huge fans of Stephen, we are all hysterically excited – and, yes, a little nervous – to be welcoming him to the mad world of Yonderland.”

Yonderland is produced by Working Title Television, and will begin filming this spring.