BBC announces comedy Mammoth returns with Christmas special

Hit comedy Mammoth, which follows a PE teacher from the 70s getting a second chance at life, has been confirmed for a second series on BBC Two, BBC One Wales, and BBC iPlayer. In addition, a special Christmas episode has also been confirmed, adding an extra dose of festive cheer to the much-loved comedy show.

The return of Mammoth, produced by BBC Studios Comedy Productions, was officially announced at the BBC Comedy Festival in Glasgow, further emphasizing the BBC’s commitment to original comedy across the UK.

In the first series, Tony Mammoth (played by Mike Bubbins) was believed to have died in an avalanche during a school trip in 1979. However, after his body is discovered frozen in time, Tony miraculously returns to life and attempts to rebuild his existence in 2024. Once a carefree Cardiff bachelor, living life to the fullest while teaching PE, he’s now trying to adjust to the modern world, which feels vastly different from the one he knew. Tony wants nothing more than to return to his old life—same job, same clothes, same car, and of course, the same soundtrack – even though he’s never been fond of oysters, preferring a pint and a packet of crisps instead.

Mammoth has garnered both critical and audience acclaim, with its innovative plot and laugh-out-loud humor keeping viewers hooked. The cast features Mike Bubbins as Tony Mammoth, alongside Sian Gibson (Car Share, The Power of Parker) as his daughter Mel, Joel Davison as Mel’s son Theo, and Joseph Marcell (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) as Mammoth’s long-suffering best friend, Roger.

The first two episodes of Mammoth have already garnered an average 7-day audience of 1.2 million viewers, surpassing the average for BBC Two comedy and performing strongly with Welsh audiences. Mammoth boasts the strongest Welsh audience skew of any BBC comedy over the past 12 months.

Writer and performer, Mike Bubbins, says: “It’s been amazing to see how audiences have got behind this show. They’ve clearly got great taste! So, it’s a no-brainer to get Mammoth, the big character with the even bigger moustache back to create more laughs. I’ve got some massive moments up my sleeve for series two.”

Sian Gibson, says: “I had so much fun working with Mike and the team and I’m so excited that we get to go again. Much love to our audience for watching and to the BBC for their support.”

Jon Petrie, Director of BBC Comedy, says: “It’s been thrilling to see audiences tune in in impressive numbers and quickly embrace Tony Mammoth’s timeless charm. Mike Bubbins, Paul Doolan and the BBC Studios team delivered a fantastic sitcom packed with laughs, and we can’t wait to see more of Mammoth’s retro antics.”

Paul Forde, Commissioning Editor for Comedy, BBC Wales, says: “We’re thrilled that another series of Mammoth is coming to our screens. The audience have been asking if there will be another series and we’re hugely excited to be able to say ‘yes there will!’”

Steven Canny, Executive Producer for BBC Studios Comedy Productions, says: “From the very start, making Mammoth has been a total pleasure and privilege. We’re delighted to be returning for another series and we’re also delighted to have the chance to see how much of Mike’s wardrobe and belongings we can cram in next time.”

BBC have also confirmed that popular drama Call The Midwife will also return to our screens this Christmas.