Unscripted Red Dwarf moment led to iconic scene that left fans 'unable to breathe'

Red Dwarf fans have only just realised that one iconic moment from the show was completely unscripted. The BBC sci-fi comedy series launched in 1988 and ran for 10 years before returning in 2009. The series continued for three more seasons until 2017, with a special released in 2020. The programme follows technician Dave Lister, who awakens after being in suspended animation for three million years to find that he is the last living human.

One of the elements of the comedy which made it so unforgettable was the cast, with Coronation Street star Craig Charles portraying Lister. He was joined by Chris Barrie as Arnold Rimmer, Robert Llewellyn as Kryten and Danny John Jules as Cat. In the episode titled D.N.A, which aired in 1991, Kryten (Llewellyn), an android rescued from a shipwreck, becomes a human male after the Red Dwarf crew discover a genetic altering machine that alters all organic life.

In his human state, Kryten has trouble adapting without his mechanical advantages and the presence of his genitals is baffling. Confused about what a penis is meant to look like, Kryten shows Lister several polaroid images that he's taken of himself.

On Reddit, one fan revealed that Charles had no idea what was on the polaroids when he saw them for the first time.

They wrote: "In Red Dwarf there's an episode where the android gets turned into a human. He's still getting used to all those weird human bits and is asking Lister about them. One piece of his anatomy is very strange, so he shows Lister a few photos. The camera only sees the back of the photos and Lister's reaction."

The fan added: "In rehearsal, the photos were just regular things. When they filmed, it was a real d**k pic and a real shocked reaction."

Fans couldn't believe the moment was unscripted as they flocked to respond. "Holy s**t I never knew this, this is amazing," declared one person.

Echoing this, another replied: "I must have watched the whole series a dozen times and I never knew that. It's so much funnier knowing that"

A third chimed in: "That smirk on Lister's face is perfect. Then when he puts the Polaroids together... First time I saw this I laughed so hard I could barely breathe! Red Dwarf is the bomb!!"

Another added: "Just the looks on Lister's face when trying to sensibly answer Kryten is priceless like with the recharging socket! classic. It was previously claimed that Red Dwarf would be returning for a new set of three specials in 2025.

Robert Llewellyn reportedly confirmed the news on his YouTube channel, saying: "We knew we were going to do more Red Dwarf, and we're actually now doing it in the middle of October to the middle of November this year.

"A 90-minute special, three half-hours. So yes, we are making more. I can't believe I've agreed to do it, I'm insane. I'm much too old."