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BBC cancels Up Pompeii remake as Miranda says no to Frankie Howerd’s classic part
Despite Beeb bosses remaking classic sitcoms such as Open All Hours and Porridge, plans for remake of former Frankie Howerd favourite go up in smoke
THE BBC axed a remake of sitcom Up Pompeii after a snub from Miranda Hart.
Miranda, 43, had been earmarked to star as Lurcio, originally played by Frankie Howerd.
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It comes after she confirmed last week she would not be starring in the next series of Call The Midwife. She also refused an offer to host a remake of BBC show The Generation Game earlier this year.
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A source said: “It’s strange Miranda has pulled out of a another project, especially one in which she’ll take on such an iconic role. It’s a real shame for fans too.
“But Miranda simply can’t take on every part put her way.
“Other actresses were looked at but she was the No1 target.
“After much consideration, bosses felt it wasn’t right to commission the remake without its preferred cast on board.”
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The sitcom, set in ancient Pompeii, was due to form part of the BBC’s series of new episodes of old sitcoms to be screened next month.
Keeping Up Appearances, Goodnight Sweetheart, Open All Hours and Porridge have all been revived.
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Open for service ... the new cast of sitcom Are You Being Served is set to get a whole new generation giggling
However, The Sun revealed earlier this month the BBC vetoed a remake of ‘Allo ‘Allo fearing viewers make take offence to the Nazis featured in the sitcom.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately the desired cast weren’t all available to film in time. We wouldn’t rule out revisiting it in the future.”
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