Actress Kate Beckinsale has given her blessing to the upcoming BBC special episode of much-loved sitcom Porridge, which originally ran from 1974 to 1977 and starred the late, great Ronnie Barker and Kate’s father Richard.
The planned special will star actor and comedian Kevin Bishop playing Nigel ‘Fletch’ Fletcher, the grandson of Barker’s character Norman, who is in prison for a series of cyber-crimes.
“When it is beloved characters and a beloved project, it’s quite nice to have an imaginary ‘what is their grandson doing?’” Beckinsale told Radio 5 Live, “I think that’s quite nice really.”
The episode will be penned by original writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, and will be part of the ‘Landmark Comedy’ season which will celebrate the 60th anniversary of Hancock’s Half Hour – the show that launched the genre on BBC.
“BBC 1 will mark our enduring affection for all the great comedy characters we have met over the 60 years by enlisting the biggest names in British comedy writing and performing to revisit loved classics alongside launching new shows,” the BBC announced in September.
Hopes will be high for Porridge’s return, as it is widely considered one of the best British sitcoms, and was once called the “greatest programme ever made,” by legendary broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.
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Images from @katebeckinsale and BBC
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