Red Dwarf provided some of the most original and funny sci-fi comedy of the 80s and 90s, and still stands out today as one of the best (eight) series ever to grace UK screens. OK, maybe it lost its way a little towards the end, but even when it was bad, it was still good. So it's with a tear in my eye and a stupid grin on my face that I greet the news that Dave (the channel, not the bloke) is to host a Red Dwarf special over Easter Weekend to include a brand new 2-part story which sees Lister finally get his wish to return to Earth.

In Red Dwarf: Back to Earth, which is written and directed by Red Dwarf co-creator Doug Naylor, the original cast are reunited for a two-part scripted story. When Lister's (Craig Charles) busy day of annoying Rimmer (Chris Barrie) is interrupted by a monstrous attack, it's pretty much business as usual - until a shock development throws them, and Cat (Danny John-Jules) and Kryten (Robert Llewellyn) back to planet Earth.

Red Dwarf : Back to Earth will air on Good Friday at 9pm and is followed by Red Dwarf: Unplugged, a special episode where the cast of Red Dwarf are let loose in a studio with no sets, no effects and no script (to speak of). Finally this extra-special Easter weekend ends with Red Dwarf: the Making of Back to Earth, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new production.

The success of Red Dwarf is legendary, with 52 episodes spread over eight series, including specials, and over 7 million DVD & VHS sales worldwide. Fans still talk of their favourite moments, and many of Kryten's pithy one-liners have found their way into everyday conversation. Channel Dave is really getting behind the event, with a special section at joindave.co.uk packed with regular news updates, competitions, podcasts from the stars, trailers and behind the scenes exclusives. As an extra treat for Red Dwarf fans, joindave.co.uk promises to reveal an exclusive snippet of news from the production set every Wednesday at noon!