THE stars of Derry Girls were in the city last night for a special premiere the of the hit Channel 4 show’s second series.
The cast and Derry writer Lisa McGee are out in force for the screening at the Omniplex Cinema, creating a huge buzz around the city.
The cult comedy which tells the story of school pals Erin, Orla, Michelle and Clare, is set in the 1990s.
As well as the original cast, series two is expected to see star turns from Father Ted legend Ardal O’Hanlon and Bronagh Waugh from The Fall .
Programme makers are tight-lipped for now about what viewers can expect in series two, which is due to be screened next month.
Show creator Lisa McGee said she was delighted the cast have been ‘adopted’ by Derry, so much so that they have immortalised them in a mural.
“I love Derry, I have always thought we were really funny,” she said.
“I’m just glad now that people are agreeing.
“For the cast, Derry has really adopted them, especially Dylan, they love him.
Mayor John Boyle with some of the cast of Derry Girls at premiere of first episode of forthcoming second series
“It’s weird seeing the mural. I can’t believe that it’s there and it’s real. But it’s an amazing and positive thing.”
Galway born Nicola Coughlan, who plays Clare Devlin in the series, said she was “over the moon” to be back in Derry for the premiere.
“It’s brilliant that Channel Four make the effort to bring it back to the city because it wouldn’t be the same if we had it anywhere else.
“Because most things do screen in London, but it’s right that it is brought back here.
“The people of Derry have been so unbelievably supportive of us.
“Even the way they let us film here late last year was amazing.”
The ‘wee English fella’, Dylan Llewellyn, says Derry is now his “second home”.
“I’m not so much an adopted Derry son, more of an adopted Derry Girl really,” he said.
“I love it here and everyone is just so welcoming.
“Derry feels like a second home to me.
“Derry people are so sweet, they rule. And to be on a mural in the city centre is insane.
“We are just so happy about it all.”
