TV: The truth is out there'¦The X-Files,Monday, 9pm, Channel 5

After 15 years The X Files returns to British TV screens this week for a brand new mini series airing on Channel 5. We got the lowdown on the comeback and caught up with Britain's own Spooky, Nick Pope
By The Newsroom
Published 5th Feb 2016, 16:54 BST
Updated 5th Feb 2016, 16:59 BST
Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.
Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.

It is one of the great legends of TV, winner of multiple Emmy and Golden Globe awards, launcher of megastar acting careers and with a fiercely dedicated fanbase.

The X-Filesʼ ran for an almost unprecedented nine series and two blockbuster movies between 1993 to 2008. One of the first shows to mix a continuing arc with standalone ‘monster of the weekʼ episodes, it set the template for countless other TV shows to follow.

Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.
Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.
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Now in 2016, the legend is back for a special six-part miniseries by the original creators and starring the original cast, exclusively on Channel 5 in the UK. Get ready for more intriguing tales as Mulder and Scully reunite to probe more cases of the uncanny and the unexplained.

More than a decade after they went their separate ways, former FBI special agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully have got on with their lives separately—she working in a medical practice, him getting by alone. They are reunited on a temporary basis by cable TV host Tad OʼMalley (Joe McHale, Sons ofAnarchyʼ), who wants their help to expose a sinister organisation—a secret sect whom he believes to be using inexplicable powers to control the American population.

OʼMalley introduces them to Sveta whose story of bright lights and alien abduction is initially dismissed as flimsy.

However, as Sveta and OʼMalleyʼs claims gain more credence, Mulderʼs attitude to the case changes, as does his opinion towards reopening the X-Files. As well as returning stars David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, familiar faces include Mitch Pileggi as Walter Skinner, Annabeth Gish as Monica Reyes and William B Davis as the Smoking Man, plus Frohike, Langley and Byers, aka the original Lone Gunmen. New guest stars include Robbie Amell (The Flashʼ) and Lauren Ambrose (Torchwood: Miracle Dayʼ) as young agents Miller and Einstein.

Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.
Just like old times: Gillian Anderson and David Duchovny return as Mulder and Scully.
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Plus look out for The X-Files: Reopenedʼ, an exciting look behind the scenes of the thrilling return of the series. Chris Carter, David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson and all the key players reveal secrets from the set and take you on the journey of bring the show back to TV.

But how authentic are the cases the twosome delve into? Over these two pages, Nick Pope - who used to investigate UFOs and other mysteries for the Ministry of Defence - discusses The X-Files and some of the cases he worked on…

The X-Files is on Monday at 9pm on Channel 5. The X-Files Re-Opened is at 8.30pm.

Related topics:Nick PopeChannel 5