When it was announced last week that Sally Rooney’s Normal People would be releasing two new episodes to raise money for RTE’s Comic Relief in Ireland, we didn’t know that its “special guest” would feature a Fleabag crossover. And it’s exactly what we needed.
The series, based on Sally Rooney’s hit novel of the same name, follows the story of star-crossed lovers Connell and Marianne through high-school and into college, as they battle the heart-achingly painful themes of first love and heady, teenage, hormone-fuelled lust.
The episode is set in a church confession, with Daisy Edgar-Jones as Marianne and Paul Mescal as Connell, and Andrew Scott, Fleabag’s “Hot Priest”, as the guest star.
The newest episode release sees Connell head to church to share his recent struggles with the priest, while Marianne also shows up to admit she has, in fact, stolen Connell’s iconic chain. Considering the chain has become an icon in its own right (with its own dedicated Instagram account), it’s unsurprising it was made into a nuanced storyline. Neither Connell or Marianne know the other is there as the episode unfolds.
Mescal took to Instagram to reflect on the episode: “Well this happened! @daisyedgarjones and Andrew are absolute legends. In the hands of Lenny and @suziecine, what is life ❤️. Thank you to element and @emeraoshea. Please, please please donate x.”
The second episode shares a sneak peek into the lives of Connell and Marianne as grown-ups. They’re living together and playing out the same poignantly deep and meaningful conversations – this time, hilariously, about a plate of baked beans Connell has prepared for Marianne, despite her already have eaten dinner.
If you’re a fan of Rooney’s, you’ll also know that Normal People is not her only novel. The Irish author’s acclaimed debut, Conversations With Friends, tells the tale of two college students, Frances and Bobbi, and the strange, unexpected connection they forge with married couple Melissa and Nick.
Now that too is getting the TV treatment, with co-producer Ed Guiney revealing the novel will be turned into another 12-part series for BBC Three.
“We’re adapting Conversations with Friends as a television series.” he shared with Heart.
Academy Award-nominated director Lenny Abrahamson, who was also behind Normal People, will return too.
“I love its depth, humour and freshness, and it’s an honour to be involved in bringing it to the screen,” Abrahamson said. “I’m particularly happy that my connection to Sally and her work is set to continue. Making Normal People has been a singular pleasure and I’m excited to be working with the same brilliant team again on Conversations With Friends.”
No cast or release details have been confirmed yet, so stay tuned.
