The latest Derry Girls instalment was full of surprises and one moment in particular left fans in shock, as two of the sitcom's lead characters finally locked lips. Viewers couldn't quite believe their luck when show writer Lisa McGee delivered the plot twist many had been hoping for between James and Erin since *that* prom moment.
Since the third and final series was announced fans of the comedy have been discussing whether Erin Quinn played by Saoirse-Monica Jackson and James Maguire (Dylan Llewellyn) would finally have their moment. Their crushes were teased in series two, when James ditched his Doctor Who convention to take Erin to her prom after she'd been stood up, and many fans started to 'ship' the pair.
But their feelings for each other were taken to the next level in the latest episode when the girls offered to help Sister Michael clear out her late Aunt's home before the funeral. After some persuasion from Michelle, and the thought of a night parent-free, they made the trip to Donegal with James driving the school campervan and a boot full of booze. But needless to say where the Derry Girls go trouble soon follows.
After a night of spooky antics and James' near-death experience when he got knocked out by the campervan, in an adorable moment between the two of them, he confessed his feelings. "I like me, Erin," he told her before realising he'd said the wrong word and corrects himself. "You! S***! You. I like you, Erin. I think I've liked you for a long time... I think you're beautiful". Before Erin grabs his face to pull him in for a kiss as Kiss Me by Sixpence None The Richer could be heard in the background.
But their romantic moment was short-lived when James' cousin and fellow Derry Girl, Michelle Mallon (Jamie-Lee O'Donnell), caught the pair and instantly banned them from dating. She listed the reasons why and explained how if they broke up she'd have to stick by James and her friendship with Erin would be ruined. Later on, as they were leaving the house, Erin pulled James to one side to tell him she agreed with Michelle, but James surprised her by saying it was OK and that he'd wait.
Needless to say fans went wild, some confessed to crying through the scene whilst others said they had 'lost their mind' and took to Twitter to share their excitement at the pair finally opening up about their feelings for each other. "ABSOLUTELY LOSING MY MIND #DERRYGIRLS" Imogen tweeted and Sinéad added "I’ve waited for this since he went to the dance with her".
"The way we’ve all been waiting for Erin and James for AGES, and still weren’t prepared for it when it happened #derrygirls" Sadie posted and Charlotte added: "If Erin & James aren’t together at the end I will fully sob though. #DerryGirls was the one tv show I was relying on NOT to break my heart".
Christopher Lynn tweeted: "Finally Erin and James happened, only been waiting the entire show run #DerryGirls", whilst Lilly said: "I absolutely loved #DerryGirls tonight, but for the love of god if James and Erin don’t properly get together by the end my life will be ruined forever and I hope the writers know this xx" Erin added: "It was hilarious as always, but god that episode hurt my heart in the best way possible. Everything about this show is so perfect, and it’ll be v hard to let it go. And yes, I actually squealed at Erin and James. #DerryGirls"
Derry Girls continues to air on Tuesdays on Channel 4 and All 4 from 9pm.
