BBC to produce new Porridge spin-off

Sunday 15th November 2015, 10:34am

Porridge. Fletcher (Ronnie Barker). Copyright: BBC

The BBC is to return to the premise of classic prison sitcom Porridge.

The Sunday Times has revealed that creators Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais have been commissioned to write the pilot episode for a new spin-off.

The new comedy, which will reportedly be aired as part of the BBC's Landmark Comedy Season, will focus on Fletcher's grandson, a loveable rogue who is now in jail for computer hacking.

The writers said they had been given the go ahead to make a single episode, but hope that it'll then become a series. "We were asked by the BBC to do a revival and decided to set it right up to date," La Frenais told The Sunday Times. "It will be set in a modern prison while Slade was of course Victorian."

The new character will also be called Fletcher, much like the character that Ronnie Barker memorably brought to life in the classic 1973 to 1977 sitcom. La Frenais explained: "He's called Fletch too and has what I would call attitude."

The show will be one of a number of high profile offerings as part of the BBC's Landmark Sitcom Season.

Timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the TV version of Hancock's Half Hour in July 2016, the season will be launched by a new episode of current smash-hit comedy Mrs. Brown's Boys, which will be broadcast live.

Landmark Sitcom Season was announced by the BBC in September. The Corporation explained: "BBC One 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 in a landmark comedy season."

The BBC was approached by The Radio Times asking for more details about the new Porridge spin-off. A BBC spokeswoman was unable to confirm the commission to the magazine, saying: "There are a number of shows being considered for BBC One's Landmark Sitcom Season but nothing is confirmed as yet."

This will not be the first spin-off from Porridge. A feature film was produced in 1979, whilst in 1978 Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale had reprised their roles in Going Straight.

The six episode sitcom focused on Norman Stanley Fletcher leaving prison and struggling to adapt to the changes of late 1970s Britain whilst holding down his first honest job.

Monday 16th November update: BroadcastNow reports that James Corden was approached to play the central role but couldn't take it on due to his US chat show commitments. Johnny Vegas has also reportedly been linked to the role.

The BBC is also reportedly working on remakes of a number of other sitcoms too, including The Good Life. Full Story

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