If you tuned in to what seemed to be a new quiz show featuring Lee Mack the other day, you might not have realised that you were actually watching an episode of Inside No. 9, a strange dark comedy anthology series.

So, when a contestant’s head blew off right at the end of the show, you might not have realised that it was actually a piece of macabre fiction, instead of a real BBC quiz show.

Inside No. 9 is written by League of Gentlemen members Reece Shearsmith and Steve Pemberton, and regular fans will know that this is far from the first time they've pulled off a stunt like this to mess with their audience.

Well, the good news is that nobody was actually hurt, and you’ve got loads of other episodes to watch, including one that was described as the ‘darkest ever’ moment on the show.

BBC

The show actually started in 2014 and so far, there have been eight series and 49 episodes in total.

However, the one that started it all is still regarded as one of the strangest and most horrifying, featuring a seriously dark twist at the end.

It’s called ‘Sardines’ after a popular parlour game.

In the episode, which was first broadcast on February 5 2014, a couple – played by Katherine Parkinson and Ben Willbond – hold a party at a family mansion, and decide to have a game of sardines.

If you’ve never played the game, it’s basically the same as hide-and-seek, but only one person hides and when you find them, you have to join them in their hiding place.

BBC

Therefore, much of the action takes place in a large bedroom wardrobe that gradually fills up with people as things progress.

As things progress towards the big reveal at the end, there are secrets and revelations galore, including allegations of adultery, childhood sexual abuse, and all sorts of horrible stuff.

Honestly, it’s seriously dark.

Also starring the two writers, as well as Tim Key, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Timothy West, Ophelia Lovibond, Anne Reid, Anna Chancellor, Mark Wootton, and Luke Pasqualino, the standalone episode really set the tone for what was to follow in some of the episodes.

Twitter

In a thread, one fan wrote: “I bloody love this episode.

“I say it every time, but it's a hell of a way to introduce a new comedy show.

“Phenomenal cast, brilliantly funny, and really, properly dark.”

Twitter

They added: “It's funny, and so full of layered dialogue, and the ending is one of the darkest they've ever done.”

Another tweet from earlier this month describes the episode as ‘still one of the best they’ve ever made’.

A third called it a ‘modern masterpiece’.

Someone else said: “To anyone who enjoys shows like Black Mirror, please give Inside No. 9 a go.

“There is a fair chance any episode will leave you going ‘what the actual f***?’”

As we’ve mentioned, you’ve got loads to work through if you liked those latest episodes, and there’s another one on this Thursday.

Just be aware, sometimes it can get pretty dark.