TV star Steve Pemberton returns to our screens as he gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the hit show Inside No. 9. The special, titled Inside No. 9: The Party's Over, showcases Pemberton and his long-time collaborator Reece Shearsmith discussing the anthology series and its many iconic moments over the past decade.
Each 30-minute episode of Inside No. 9 presented viewers with self-contained stories culminating with dark or shocking twists. The special is set to air on BBC Two and iPlayer at 9 p.m. on December 22.
When Steve isn't working, he typically enjoys spending time with his family or supporting his beloved Blackburn Rovers. But what else can we learn about the intriguing man behind the series, Steve Pemberton?
Born and raised in Chorley, Lancashire, Pemberton crossed paths with fellow actors and future collaborators Mark Gatiss and Reece Shearsmith at Bretton Hall College of Education. The BAFTA-winning actor first made his mark producing and starring in small-scale theatre productions across London after graduation. He even worked part-time for Variety as assistant editor of the International Film Guide.
By 1995, Pemberton, Gatiss, Shearsmith, and Jeremy Dyson united to establish the League of Gentlemen comedy troupe, gaining notoriety through extensive touring throughout the 1990s. Their comedy act took off significantly when they showcased The League of Gentlemen at the Edinburgh festival. It was there, in 1997, they snagged the prestigious Perrier Comedy prize, propelling them to fame with adaptations spanning across radio series, four BBC TV series, three live touring stage shows, and even a film.
The unique dark humor of The League of Gentlemen has earned its place as a cult classic, fostering a devoted fanbase throughout the years. Reuniting years later, Steve and Reece showcased their talents once more with the critically acclaimed dark comedy Psychoville, which aired for two seasons, including a celebrated Halloween special.
Steve's notable role came with Inside No. 9, another collaboration with Reece Shearsmith, which has been celebrated for its innovative storytelling since 2014. For his performance, he clinched the BAFTA award, and later another BAFTA for Best Male Comedy Performance in 2019.
Pemberton is also known for portraying the timid accountant Kevin Weatherill turned criminal on Happy Valley, and he has made appearances in other iconic series such as Midsomer Murders, Killing Eve, Death in Paradise, and Taskmaster.
Notably, Pemberton faced significant health challenges at the young age of 25. While working with a theatre company in Germany, he began to feel unwell and was diagnosed with myocardial infarction, known as a heart attack. Reflecting on his experience, he shared: "I cannot tell you there is nothing wrong with your heart," emphasizing how alarming the diagnosis was. Fearing for both his health and family, he stated, "The things... are the thoughts of anything bad happening to your family... and your own mortality."
Continuing to share his thoughts, he revealed, "I was told I’d had a myocardial infarction, a heart attack. When I got back to the UK they couldn’t find any trace of it, so I still don’t really know what happened." Motivated to maintain good health, Pemberton regularly undergoes check-ups and noted, "I lost two stone last year by dieting and taking up jogging. I was writing episodes of Benidorm and was finally able to manage my time to fit in the exercise."
Now living comfortably in North London with actress girlfriend Alison, Steve and Alison share three children: Lucas, 23, Madeleine, 21, and Adam, 18. Their family life appears to be just as valuable as their vibrant careers.
With Pemberton gearing up for the much-anticipated special, fans can look forward not only to laughter but also to heartfelt reflections on his impressive body of work, adding yet another layer to his legacy.
