Craig Charles who played Dave Lister in the cult classic, British sci-fi comedy “Red Dwarf” has confirmed that there will be two more series of “Red Dwarf” coming up. Production is to begin in January of 2011. Also aboard for the ride is Chris Barrie who played Arnold Rimmer.

On reprising the role of Lister, Charles joked:

“I’m a bit nervous, I don’t think i’ll be able to fit into the leather trousers any more.”

Barrie explains what this new series will fit into the “Red Dwarf” legacy:

“There are plans afoot to have a 10th series. I find it very hard to call it a 10th series, because that obviously means we’re calling the Easter special from last year the ninth series. But yes, certainly, I would say some more new Red Dwarf product. There are plans afoot to get that into gear.

I think of Back To Earth as a sort of 21-year celebration, really, as a proper three-part special. But yes, it would be nice to do, and hopefully we will, another six half hours.

In terms of the direction of the show, I don’t really want to see it change that much. I just want more strong storylines, probably in a half-hour format. I think that it’s nice to do the old-fashioned sitcom type format. Having said that, there was something strong about the trilogy, where there’s a little bit of a cliffhanger after each half hour.”

The “Back to Earth” special last year took on a dramatic tone for the traditionally comedic show. Will this be carried into the new two series? Barrie gives his opinion:

“I think the special, if anything, took us in that direction. It was shot very filmically: no studio audience of course, and that helps the dramatic element. When you don’t have to punch up the gags for an audience, for example, you can afford to shoot it much more dramatically and moodily. I think that could be the way the show goes. But it’s Red Dwarf – it ain’t ever gonna stop being funny.”

[Source] Coventry Telegraph