Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker returning to BBC for coronavirus Screenwipe special

Brooker’s wry look at the world’s events last aired in December 2016

After a three-year absence, Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker is returning to the BBC for a Screenwipe episode focused on the coronavirus pandemic.

The half-hour lockdown special, which is currently titled Charlie Brooker’s Antiviral Wipe, will pay particular attention to the things people are watching and doing to pass the time while being stuck at home.

As with Brooker’s previous Screenwipe episodes, Diane Morgan and Al Campbell will return as reporters Philomena Cunk and Barry S**tpeas, respectively.

Brooker said: “The BBC asked me to supply a quote for the press release, which is what you’re reading now.”

The episode is just one of many new comedy commissions from BBC Two.

Bob Mortimer, Meera Syal and Russell Kane will appear in a new show called Comedians Playing With Themselves, while Matt Berry will front a new series written by Father Ted‘s Arthur Matthews.

Sophie Willan’s Alma’s Not Normal has also been commissioned for a full run. The series, focusing on a Bolton-hailing character named Alma Nuthall and her “eccentric female-dominated family”, will last for six episodes.

”I’ve been overwhelmed by the fabulous response to the pilot and I’m so excited to be developing the series,” Willan said.

“I’ve already been using the lockdown as a chance to get cracking so I’m just pleased to have the official go ahead. I can’t wait to get it made and share the world of Alma with everyone.”

Charlie Brooker‘s Antiviral Wipe currently doesn’t have an air date. It is unknown when Black Mirror will return to Netflix.

Additional reporting by Agencies