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Mr Bean enjoys a spin outside Buckingham Palace atop his iconic lime green Mini as the sitcom celebrates its 25th anniversary

Published: 07:26 EST, 4 September 2015 | Updated: 07:59 EST, 4 September 2015

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It's been 25 years since Rowan Atkinson made his TV debut as the lovable, albeit self-centered, Mr Bean.

And to celebrate, the talented British actor slipped back into character and took his iconic car, a 1976 British Leyland Mini 1000, for a spin outside Buckingham Palace on Friday.

In scenes reminiscent of the hugely-popular episode Do-It-Yourself Mr Bean, which first aired in January 1994, Atkinson, now 60, lapped up his surroundings from the comfort of the armchair strapped to the top of his car as it whizzed by the iconic London landmark.

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Throwback! Mr Bean (Rowan Atkinson) took his iconic car for a spin outside Buckingham Palace on Friday in honour of the show's 25th anniversary

In the original sketch, Bean descends on the January sales where he snaps up several items, including an armchair, tins of paint and a mop.

However, after fastening the chair to the roof and squeezing everything else inside the car, he soon realises that there is no room left for himself.

Ever the genius, he figures out a way to drive the car remotely from the comfort of the chair attached to the roof using his shopping haul before setting off on a daredevil driving expedition.

Still going strong: Button-eyed Teddy was also along for the celebratory ride

Way back when: Mr Bean, pictured here in 1996, got into many sticky situations behind the wheel of his iconic 1976 British Leyland Mini 1000

Like old times: In scenes reminiscent of the hugely-popular episode Do-It-Yourself Mr Bean, which first aired in January 1994, Atkinson lapped up his surroundings from the comfort of the armchair strapped to his car

Classic: Bean pulled a number of his memorable faces as he took in the sights

And Atkinson seemed delighted to be back in the hot seat as he toured around London, accompanied by his precious friend Teddy.

The star pulled a number of his iconic faces as he waved to fans and posed with a celebratory cake.

Atkinson revived Mr Bean back in March when he teamed up with Comic Relief for a fifth time to raise money for the charity.

Happy happy happy! Bean looked very content as he whizzed around with a mop in his hand

On top of the world: The silent comic seemed to be having the time of his life back in the driver's seat

Not too fast! Bean seemed reasonably satisfied that his driving contraption was safe

Speaking after the sketch had aired, Atkinson told the LA Times that he had been reluctant to revive the narcissistic buffoon because he didn’t want him to grow old.

He explained: 'I've always seen him as a rather timeless, ageless figure — though, in fact, when we were doing this funeral sketch a few weeks ago, quite a few people said you know there's something about Bean in middle age which feels almost more right; he sort of suits an older outlook.'

Spooky: The car was loaded with a number of presents which meant Bean had to sit up top

Steady on! Bean held tight as the public struggled to believe their eyes

Saying hi to the fans: The smartly-dressed odd ball was more than at home on his armchair

Double trouble! Bean doesn't go far without his beloved friend Teddy

Naughty! Bean pulled some of his famous faces as he enjoyed the ride

Déjà vu: Bean sat in his armchair on top of his car in the episode Do-It-Yourself Mr Bean, which first aired in January 1994

Atkinson even floated the idea of another new movie in the future.

He continued: 'We could possibly make a movie one day named 'Old Bean' and consciously create an old Bean, who's like Bean but really doddery, and I think one could confront the age issue head-on.'

Atkinson co-wrote all fifteen original episodes of Mr Bean with either his old university friend Richard Curtis or Robin Driscoll, or both. Ben Elton co-wrote the pilot.