Home
/
Fiction
/
Dead Ringers: Series 20
Dead Ringers: Series 20
Dec 5, 2025 8:00 PM

Author:Tom Jamieson,Nev Fountain,Debra Stephenson,Duncan Wisbey,Lewis MacLeod,Jon Culshaw,Jan Ravens

Dead Ringers: Series 20

The award-winning BBC Radio 4 impressions show returns for a 20th series - plus 3 Christmas specials

The popular topical comedy show is back with another helping of political vituperation, media mauling and celebrity savaging.

Series 20 sees the team faced with the challenge of finding the comedy in Covid, as they look back at the key moments since the pandemic began. There's a special maths lesson from Matt Hancock, a fight between Good Boris and Bad Boris about when lockdown should start, and Michael Portillo grapples with wearing a mask on Great British Railway Journeys.

Plus, Keir Starmer makes his Dead Ringers debut, a former Prime Minister performs in Alan Bennett's latest Talking Heads monologue, Joan Bakewell explains Kanye West, and Her Majesty the Queen tells us why she's helping out the FBI.

We also hear a startling out-take from Normal People, meet a special guest at Downton Abbey - and finally find out what Michael Gove's real job is...

Also included are three Brexity, Covidy, Trumpy, Bideny Christmas specials - so sit back and treat your ears to a bumper helping of superb satirical impressions from Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod, Debra Stephenson and Duncan Wisbey.

Cast and credits

Starring Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis MacLeod, Duncan Wisbey and Debra Stephenson

Produced and created by Bill Dare

A BBC Studios production

Written by Nev Fountain & Tom Jamieson, Laurence Howarth, Ed Amsden & Tom Coles, Sarah Campbell, James Bugg, Simon Alcock, Cody Dahler, Jane McCutcheon, Vivienne Riddoch, Gareth Cederic, Jeffrey Aidoo, Charlie Dinkin, Aidan Fitzmaurice, Cassie Smith, Alex Hardy, Athena Kugblenu, Paige Wilson, Sophie Dixon, Kate Lipson, Edward Tew

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4, 12 June-17 July 2020 (Series 20), 11-25 December 2020 (Christmas Specials)

Reviews

Watson adroitly [brings] the strands of his story together to create a disturbing journey to a shocking truth

—— The Observer

Creepy and packed with suspense and menace, it draws the reader into a community that has more than its fair share of skeletons to hide.

—— Daily Mail

Dark and twisty, and full of surprises and so smartly done.

—— Joanna Cannon

S J Watson has done it again. Even more compelling than Before I Go To Sleep

—— Lesley Kara

S J Watson, pacing his story with mesmerising expertise, keeps you so invested in the fates of his characters

—— Jake Kerridge, Sunday Express

I loved that behind this disturbing and clever plot there's a genuinely heartrending story.

—— Emma Curtis

An intriguing and unsettling new thriller.

—— Fabulous

If you go down to Blackwood Bay, you're in for a dark surprise. FINAL CUT is a masterfully tense, taut and terrifying thriller.

—— Tim Glister

There are so many twist and turns I was out of breath when I finished

—— Matt Cain

An expertly crafted thriller. Claustrophobic and unnerving. Watson at his very best.

—— Will Carver

A twisty psychological thriller.

—— Choice Magazine

Incredibly atmospheric and captivating. I loved the way the mystery unfolded.

—— Karen Hamilton

Watson is fascinating on the ins and outs of memory, and paces his story with mesmerising expertise.

—— Sunday Express

Bold yet understated, Braised Pork is the debut of a supremely confident and gifted writer.'

—— Katie Kitamura

'A moving tale about loneliness, parenthood, addiction and the importance of living the best life you can'

—— Sunday Express

'A heartening story about the importance of truth and friendship, with characters that spring to life on the page'

—— The Independent

'A superb, life-affirming book . . . this is both funny and heartbreakingly sad'

—— Prima

'This is the feel-good story, full of hope, that we all need to read right now'

—— Closer

In this joyous read, we learn what it means to embrace who we really are

—— Woman's Weekly

'A moving tale about living the best life you can'

—— Daily Mirror

'A wonderfully warm, feel-good novel about the power of friendship and connection'

—— Cosmopolitan

A stirring and warm-hearted read

—— Heat

In a heartfelt and ultimately joyous read, we learn what it means to open up to who we really are

—— Woman & Home

I loved this uplifting, original tale

—— The Sun

This is a reminder of the importance of friendships and reaching out to others

—— Good Housekeeping

'Pooley handles her cast with brio as new relationships are formed and lives are changed in this poignant and uplifting read'

—— Daily Mail

It's full of life's truths, funny, poignant and ultimately uplifting. I thoroughly enjoyed it

—— Fanny Blake

I loved The Authenticity Project. I powered through it and it was such a joy. It gave me that warm fuzzy feeling that I've so missed (since the days of Love Actually etc). It really reminded me of those classic Richard Curtis films... Fab characters and just the right amount of romance, humour and weepy moments

—— Rachel Marks

'Reading the book was like hanging out with a rowdy, affectionate bunch of friends where you don't want the party to stop. A joyous, funny read that leaves you all warm inside'

—— Beth Morrey

'One of the best books I've read in a long time. Original, engaging and unforgettable'

—— Sunday Times bestselling author, Sarah Morgan

Beautifully written, thought provoking and uplifting, The Authenticity Project is a warm and endearing tale about truth, friendship and the power of connection. Pooley's characters will stay with you long after you turn the final page. It was a joy to read

—— Mike Gayle
Comments
Welcome to zzdbook comments! Please keep conversations courteous and on-topic. To fosterproductive and respectful conversations, you may see comments from our Community Managers.
Sign up to post
Sort by
Show More Comments