THE poignant last scenes in the season finale of hit Channel 4 comedy Derry Girls have sparked a huge response on social media.
Within minutes of the end of Thursday’s night episode, #DerryGirls was trending worldwide and viewers were anticipating a second series, due to hit screens next year.
The series, created by Derry scriptwriter Lisa McGee and focusing on the lives of teenager Erin Quinn her four friends – ended with the Troubles intruding on the comedy.
As the group dance in their school hall, Erin's parents stand in shocked silence at home watching TV reports of the latest bomb victims.
The final episode also addressed social issues, with Erin’s best friend Clare coming out as a lesbian via a school writing competition.
McGee said she wanted to show the tragedy of life in 1990s Derry as well as the comedy.
She told Radio Times magazine she did not base the final television reports on any actual atrocity but wanted to show something of that scale.
"There were lots of times when your family stood around the TV and just couldn’t speak because this was people in your own place doing it to each other," she said.
As the episode ended, many messages of praise for the programme were posted on Twitter.
Rebekah Wilson tweeted: "Takes a good programme to make you laugh out loud and then cry within 20 seconds of each other. Can't wait for season 2 #DerryGirls."
Nicola Brady posted: "Wow #DerryGirls what and ending. Actually made me cry. What a fab show...can't wait till it's back already."
