Dimension Jump XX, which celebrated Red Dwarf‘s 30th birthday and The Official Red Dwarf Fan Club’s 20th convention, was always going to be a hard act to follow, but not even a global pandemic – which twice postponed DJ XXI from its original 29th-31st May 2020 date – could ultimately prevent hundreds of smegheads coming together for another memorable weekend of life-affirming revelry.

In addition to fan-favourite regulars Danny John-Jules (Cat), Hattie Hayridge (Holly) and Norman Lovett (Holly), the Fan Club team were thrilled to welcome back the delightful Lee Cornes (Paranoia, Confidence and Paranoia) several years after his last DJ appearance, and Ian Boldsworth (Steve, M-Corp), who once again generously hosted the Saturday-evening auction and a hugely entertaining Q&A with Robert Llewellyn (Kryten), who beamed into the event live via Zoom. Chris Barrie (Rimmer) also joined the proceedings virtually for an entertaining and insightful Q&A featuring witty anecdotes and impressions galore.

With The Promised Land airing in the time since the last DJ, all six of our nipples were tingling as Ray Fearon (Rodon, The Promised Land) made his Red Dwarf convention debut.

As the opening ceremony came to a close on the Friday, the Fan Club team finally revealed DJ XXI’s worst-kept secret: Johnny Vegas (Crit Cop, Timewave) would also be making his debut appearance. He did not disappoint, offering attendees a rip-roaring Q&A and a memorable rendition of ‘American Pie’ during the Friday-night karaoke.

We were also honoured to be joined by the hugely talented Matthew Clark (Graphic Designer, Series XII and The Promised Land), who offered attendees a myriad of fascinating behind-the-scenes insights into the show’s aesthetic.

Fascinating behind-the-scenes insights didn’t stop there, however, as Red Dwarf‘s co-creator Rob Grant, and Executive Producer for Series I-III Paul Jackson also stopped by to offer a detailed look back at the origins of their many collaborations.

Finally, while Red Dwarf’s Co-creator Doug Naylor was unable to attend DJ XXI in person, he sent attendees a much-appreciated video message which confirmed that “the posse and I all want to make more Red Dwarf and, just as importantly, so does a certain broadcaster”.

Long may the small rouge one carom forth.