Northern Ireland

Oscar winning director Martin Scorsese is Derry Girls' fan

Hollywood director, Martin Scorsese revealed he has been watching "Derry Girls".
Hollywood director, Martin Scorsese revealed he has been watching "Derry Girls". Hollywood director, Martin Scorsese revealed he has been watching "Derry Girls".

OSCAR winning director, Martin Scorsese has revealed he's a fan of the Channel 4 comedy show Derry Girls.

The Hollywood director told a question and answer event in the US he recently watched the show. One of Channel 4’s most successful shows, Derry Girls follows the trials and tribulations for four girls from Troubles’ era Derry – Erin, Orla, Michelle and Clare - along with English cousin, James. The show ended earlier this year after three series with the arrival of the Good Friday Agreement.

Scorsese, whose films include classics such as Goodfellas, Gangs of New York and Taxi Driver, was speaking at the annual black tie dinner of the Economic Club of Chicago. The dinner took place some weeks ago but the clip of Scorsese commenting on Derry Girls only went online over the weekend.

Asked what he was currently watching, the director said: "I watched the other night, Derry Girls."

When the audience broke into spontaneous applause, Scorsese gave a clenched-fist salute and said “Those nuns”.

His apparent endorsement of the show was met with shock by creator and writer, Lisa McGee who tweeted in response “excuse me while I drop dead and actually die a death".

Actor Siobhan Sweeney who played school principal, Sister Michael, in the show was also stumped, responding simply “Good morning, I’m dead”.

Scorsese’s comment also brought praise from other figures, including comedian, Dara Ó Briain who tweeted: “And that’s it, you win. Shut it down, people, we have a winner."