Only Fools axe comedy
ITV CANCELS LAST PEAK-SLOT SITCOM
SITCOM legends have blasted ITV for axing its comedy shows.
The channel is without a prime-time sitcom after bosses called time on Birds Of A Feather and Jack Dee’s show Bad Move.
Now furious stars reckon comedy fans are better served with repeats of BBC classics such as Only Fools And Horses, Porridge and Dad’s Army.
Christopher Biggins, who starred in Porridge, said: “This is sad. I thought reality TV was on the way out but it’s not because it’s cheap TV. Comedy costs money. If you want to watch sitcoms these days you need to pay for it and get Netflix or watch all the old ones like Only Fools And Horses.”
Frank Williams, 87, who played the vicar in Dad’s Army, said: “I got my big break on an ITV comedy, The Army Game. If they don’t have anything funny people will just have to tune into BBC Two to watch Dad’s Army repeats.”
Absolutely Fabulous star Helen Lederer, who has
launched a search to find new funny women writers, said: “This is mad. The talent is out there. The material is out there.”
And veteran entertainer Bernie Clifton added: “Sitcoms are part of the make-up of Britain. I’m shocked.”
ITV boss Kevin Lygo admitted this week that it was “very, very hard” to find a good sitcom – but he has not given up hope.
He added: “When you do get one right it’s the gift that keeps on giving.” ®