Fleabag Turns 10: How Many Details Did You Spot?

It's been 10 years since first appeared on screens. 

Based on Phoebe Waller-Bridge's one-woman show, the groundbreaking series followed protagonist 'Fleabag' [Phoebe] as a free-spirited but angry and confused young woman struggling to cope with her grief.

Despite airing for just two seasons, the show has been credited with changing the TV landscape, inspiring a wave of 'messy female' leads and encouraging others to break the fourth wall. 

Now regularly cited as 'one of the greatest TV series of all time', the show earned Phoebe a whole host of awards, including BAFTAs, Emmys and Golden Globes, as well as making her a household name. 

And Fleabag's legacy continues, as while it may have been a decade since it aired, fans are still discovering the clever hidden details and meanings in the show. 

So, how many did you spot? 

The smoking symbolism

Unlike many modern shows, Fleabag featured several smoking scenes. 

Yet one theory is that Fleabag's smoking mirrors her relationship with Dad. 

She offers Dad a cigarette in the series one finale during a row, but Dad takes it just to drop it. 

The second time she offers him one, as their relationship is on a smoother road but not quite healed, he considers taking it only to change his mind. 

By the series two finale as they have come to terms with their relationship, Dad finally smokes while chuckling to himself.  

The Four Evangelists

In season two, Fleabag’s sister Claire (Sian Clifford) is at the Best Woman In Business Awards when she makes a religious reference in her speech. 

She begins by saying: 'A huge thanks to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John for coming up with this award,' a nod to the authors of the Gospels in the New Testament.

While there is of course irony in thanking four men for a women's awards, she then has to hand Belinda Friers (Kristin Scott Thomas) a naked statue instead of the original award, setting the scene for Belinda's feminism speech.

The mouse represents Fleabag's Dad 

Fans have theorised that the quiet mouse in the attic represents Dad's [Bill Paterson] feelings about his upcoming marriage. 

He reveals he has left a friendly trap for the rodent while also hinting that he feels trapped in his marriage with Godmother. 

Dad is also quiet as a mouse, failing to ever finish a sentence in the second series. 

The hidden tribute

Phoebe paid a subtle tribute to editor Gary Dollner who worked on both series of the show.

During the finale, Fleabag is seen sitting at a bus stop where the digital display reveals the bus is heading to Dollner Avenue. 

Phoebe went on to work with Gary again on Killing Eve.