Fawlty? No, Cleese sitcom’s a BBC hit

JOHN Cleese’s first sitcom since Fawlty Towers has enjoyed the most successful comedy launch on BBC1 in three years.

Sunday’s episode of Hold The Sunset had an average of 6.2 million viewers and a peak of 7.2 million. It is the channel’s highest-rated comedy launch since Still Open All Hours in December 2014 with consolidated ratings of 6.8 million.

Hold The Sunset is the first sitcom lead role for Cleese, pictured, since Basil Fawlty 40 years ago. The 78-year-old plays Phil, who is keen to move abroad with his ex, played by Alison Steadman.