Will Mellor and Ralf Little Explore Enlightenment in Runcorn

Two renowned actors, Will Mellor and Ralf Little, who starred in the popular British sitcom “Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps,” have launched a new television series titled “Will and Ralf Should Know Better.” The series premiered this Monday, bringing the duo back to Runcorn, the same town where their former show was filmed.

The BBC sitcom, which aired from 2001 to 2011, was a notable success and a key element of its charm was its setting in Runcorn. The new series marks a return to this locale, not for a reunion as some fans anticipated, but for a fresh exploration of self-discovery and personal growth.

Speaking about the show, Ralf Little said, “This is a real opportunity for us to kind of go ‘right, who are we now, where do we fit in the world, how do we learn stuff and actually take it into our real lives.’” The show challenges the duo both physically and mentally, delving into themes such as aging, spirituality, and sustainable living.

During the first episode, broadcast on the Dave and U channels, Mellor and Little visited Wat Phra Singh UK, a Buddhist temple housed in the building that famously served as “The Archer” pub in their original sitcom. The building, located on High Street, has been home to the temple for over a decade.

As they entered the temple, Will humorously noted the transformation, saying, “You do know our old stomping ground in Runcorn, our pub where we used to film, you know it’s changed now,” to which Ralf replied, “Yeah, it’s a Buddhist temple.” In jest, Mellor suggested the need for an exorcism given the antics that took place there in their sitcom days.

The episode depicted the pair attempting meditation, guided by head monk Than Thirasak, though Ralf admitted struggling with the practice, joking, “Everyone is like ‘oh this is so kind of one with the universe’ and I’m going ‘I’m going to fall over and I’m shaking like a s******g dog.'”

The experience prompted both actors to reflect on personal growth, with Will stating, “I’ve got to learn to let go,” while Ralf remarked on the benefits of self-reflection and meditation, “I just thought that the principles that they talked about and being self-reflective and even meditation, I really feel like I can take that into life and be a better, certainly happier person. It’s quite an exciting idea.”

“Will and Ralf Should Know Better” is available for viewers on Dave and U, with all episodes accessible for free streaming, inviting audiences to join the actors on their journey of enlightenment and introspection.