‘I cannot express my gratitude enough’ - Mackenzie Crook said making Detectorists in ‘beautiful Framlingham’ will be remembered as ‘happy times’

Mackenzie Crook, pictured during the filming of Detectorists in Framlingham, has spoken of his 'happy times' making the show in Suffolk. Picture: PHIL MORLEY Archant

The award-winning writer and star of TV comedy Detectorists has spoken of his love for the “beautiful” Suffolk town where it was filmed and his “mixed emotions” over fans’ reaction to its ending.

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Detectorists Andy and Lance, played by Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, were the main characters in the show, produced by Channel X North and Lola Entertainment. Picture: JONATHAN BARCLAY Detectorists Andy and Lance, played by Mackenzie Crook and Toby Jones, were the main characters in the show, produced by Channel X North and Lola Entertainment. Picture: JONATHAN BARCLAY

Mackenzie Crook, who spent three summers making the BBC Four series in Framlingham, told this newspaper they “will be remembered as happy times and I will be back to visit often”.

The show, which won a BAFTA award in 2015, has been described as a “gentle comedy” focussing on the lives, loves and detecting ambitions of Andy and Lance, members of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club (DMDC).

Crook, who wrote the show and plays the role of Andy, made the comments after more than 3,000 people signed a petition calling for further episodes, following the news that series three, which aired at the end of 2017, would be the last.

The actor, who has also starred in The Office and Pirates of the Caribbean, said the response was “heart-warming” but he was reluctant to disappoint fans by allowing it to “go on too long and become stale”.

A publicity shot for Dtectorists series two. Picture: CHRIS HARRIS A publicity shot for Dtectorists series two. Picture: CHRIS HARRIS

“I have been overwhelmed at the response to Detectorists and especially to this last series,” he said.

“It’s been an emotional and rewarding journey for me, and that people appreciate the results means more than I can say.

“The three summers I spent filming in beautiful Framlingham will be remembered as happy times and I will be back to visit often.”

Crook said he felt it was time to finish and “leave our friends at the DMC alone – believing they’ve discovered happiness”.

Mackenzie Crook on set in Framlingham. Picture: PHIL MORLEY Mackenzie Crook on set in Framlingham. Picture: PHIL MORLEY

“Having said all of that, if, in a few years, I come up with a brilliant storyline for Andy and Lance, I won’t keep it to myself,” he added.

“In the meantime I am writing a film that has its roots and tone very much in the world of Detectorists, and feels like a natural evolution from it. I hope that people who enjoyed Detectorists might find something similar in this new project.

“I cannot express my gratitude enough to everyone who has said and written compliments about the three series that we made. But thank you.”

The petition, created by Lee Brady, said Detectorists was a “very brilliantly written show that has a big following”.

Filming in Framilngham. Back L-R: Clem Routledge, Mackenzie Crook, Megan Ingold, Emilia Garbie, with Chris Wright (front). Picture: PHIL MORLEY Filming in Framilngham. Back L-R: Clem Routledge, Mackenzie Crook, Megan Ingold, Emilia Garbie, with Chris Wright (front). Picture: PHIL MORLEY

Mr Brady added: “But when you hear that the third series could be the last, a lot of us fans think that it’s just too early for it to end yet.

“We have grown to each of the characters and feel that there could be a lot more to come from the series.”

He suggested future series, or Christmas specials, could look at issues including: how it will go with Becky and Andy in their new home; where Andy and Lance’s next adventure will take them; the return of Sophie or the blossoming love life of Lance and Toni.

People signing the petition added comments of support including: “I thought the series was one of the most beautifully written programs I’ve seen in years.”

Detectorists has also won plaudits from Elbow front-man Guy Garvey, who recorded his BBC Radio Six show in Framlingham while his wife, Rachel Stirling, was filming the third series. He said the show was a “beautiful” comedy, which showed off Suffolk’s countryside in a “really gentle way”.

Last year, the EADT reported on a couple whose love for the show saw them move to Framlingham, having spent several years in America.

Guy Downes, who watched the show with his wife Victoria, said: “We loved the show and kept saying what an incredible place to be to the point where we thought, ‘why don’t we just move there’?”

Visit Change.org to view the petition.