TV hit series Tutti Frutti to rock back on to TV screens after 32 years

CRITICALLY-ACCLAIMED drama Tutti Frutti is to return to TV screens after more than 30 years when it is shown on the new BBC Scotland channel.

Written by Scots artist and playwright John Byrne, the six-part series followed the fortunes of rock and roll band The Majestics who reform to play a 25th anniversary tour.

Starring a stellar cast – including Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson – Tutti Frutti made its debut in 1987, achieving cult TV status before being later made into a stage play toured by the National Theatre of Scotland in 2006 with Tom Urie in the lead role.

Tony Nellany, commissioning executive at BBC Scotland, said: “Tutti Frutti has long held a special place in the hearts of viewers so we wanted to make a virtue of the chance to watch this cult classic again.

“As well as broadcasting new original content, the new BBC Scotland channel will delve into the archives to celebrate and showcase classic gems.

“Tutti Frutti will lead the way for viewers to revisit much-loved shows from the past which they still hold dear.”

Paisley-born playwright Byrne was inspired to write Tutti Frutti by the real Glasgow band, the Poets, who had one hit before disappearing in to obscurity.

The story charts The Majestics’ attempt to make a return to musical glory. Despite the death of lead singer Big Jazza Mcglone in a freak car accident on the eve of the tour, manager Eddie Clockerty is determined to re-create The Majestics’ halcyon days.

Clockerty, played by One Foot In The Grave star Richard Wilson, talks Big Jazza’s younger brother Danny – Coltrane – in to joining the band as its new lead singer. Suzi Kettles, an old classmate of Danny, also joins as guitarist.

Despite a calamitous tour of Scotland’s less salubrious clubs and pubs, the band’s fortunes appear to take a turn for the better. But a series of personal disasters and backstage squabbling threaten their bid to recapture their former glory.

Coltrane has previously told how double Oscar winning actress Thompson almost missed out on her breakthrough as Kettles in the iconic series, because she was seen as too posh and English.

Tutti Frutti will go out on the new BBC Scotland channel on Saturday March 2.

It has long held a special place in the hearts of viewers