There’s been a rethink! Taggart set for TV return

IT was the gritty police drama that proved so successful it outlived the death of its eponymous star by 16 years.

Now Taggart could be resurrected after its creator disclosed plans for a prequel set in the 1960s, focusing on the young Jim Taggart’s early life as a rookie detective in Glasgow.

Writer Glenn Chandler, who devised the original show and wrote many of the early episodes, has been engaged in talks with TV producers about breathing new life into the role made famous by the late Mark McManus.

The craggy-faced actor played the title role of the DCI based in the city’s Maryhill district for 11 years until his death in 1994.

It became a hit worldwide and the catchphrase associated with the show – ‘there’s been a murder’ – found its way into popular culture, even though it was never actually spoken by any member of the cast.

The series continued until 2010 before it was finally axed by broadcaster STV.

Mr Chandler said he had been advising producers about the possibility of the new show but ‘wouldn’t want to write it’ as he is too busy.

He added: ‘There is talk of bringing Taggart back – Young Taggart, set in the 1960s, with Jim Taggart as a young detective.

‘I have been giving advice on the idea in an advisory capacity. I think it would be a good idea, but I certainly wouldn’t want to write it as I’m too involved in working in theatre now.’

There is strong precedent for creating successful prequels. ITV has already scored a notable success with Endeavour, a prequel to the hugely popular Inspector Morse series.

This features a young Detective Constable Morse at the start of his long career, against the leafy backdrop of 1960s Oxford.

Prime Suspect 1973 – a prequel to the 1990s TV series starring Dame Helen Mirren – also proved a ratings success but was axed by ITV after one series following a spat over creative differences with author Lynda La Plante.

According to his back story, Jim Taggart married his wife in 1961 and served as a beat bobby before rising through the ranks.

The announcement of a possible new show comes as the original prepares to celebrate the 35-year anniversary of its first screening.

To mark the occasion Mr Chandler is heading back to Maryhill for a special screening of Taggart’s pilot episode.

The show, Killer, introduced audiences around the world to Mark McManus as the worldweary policeman, along with Alastair Duncan playing his newly assigned sidekick DS Peter Livingstone.

The success of the pilot episode led to a full series being commissioned in 1985.

McManus reprised the role in 30 stories before his death. The show then continued without its title character for another 16 years.

The anniversary screening will take place at the Seamore Neighbourhood Cinema, Maryhill, on September 26.

It will be followed by a question and answer session with members of the cast and crew.