BACK FROM THE DAD!
Classic to return after 50 years
DAD’S Army is set to make a comeback on telly after 50 years, we can reveal.
There are plans to film three episodes of the classic series in 2019 with a new A-list cast.
It is being revived by bosses at digital channel Gold in a shock move that will thrill millions of comedy fans.
Execs at the network were last night in talks about which star names will play the show’s iconic characters.
The hit-list could include Sir David Jason as a potential Captain Mainwaring, Hugh Laurie as Sgt Arthur Wilson and Danny Dyer as Private Joe Walker.
The new instalments will be remakes of lost episodes.
When Dad’s Army aired in the 60s and 70s the BBC regularly reused tapes after shows were broadcast.
It means three episodes from its second series were lost or destroyed.
They are The Loneliness Of The Long Distance Walker, Stripe For Frazer and Under Fire. These instalments have not been seen by fans since they first aired on TV in 1969.
The new episodes will be filmed in front of a live studio audience next spring before airing in late 2019.
The team at Mercury Productions, who will make the new shows, have had the blessing from the estates of the original writers Jimmy Perry and David Croft.
Gold boss Pete Thornton told the Daily Star: “We’ve been working on this project for several years and will be respecting the genius of the original series. If ever there was a time to ‘stick to the script’ then this is it.
Producers are said to be keen to get original star Ian Lavender on board for the new episodes. The veteran actor, 72, earned his place in comedy history as Private Pike.