A DAD’S Army star is set to return to screens with a brand new sitcom – a whopping six decades on from their TV debut.
Jeffrey Holland shot to fame when he starred in BBC classic Hi-de-Hi as fan-favourite Spike Dixon.
Jeffrey Holland played Spike Dixon in the beloved sitcom[/caption]
Jeffrey as Private Walker in the Dad’s Army Stage Show[/caption]
The actor played the character for nine series before the sitcom was brought to an end in 1988.
Holland also portrayed Private Walker in the Dad’s Army Stage Show, where he was first introduced to Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the creators of Hi-De-Hi.
Now 78, fans could get to see Jeffrey return to the small screen with a brand new sitcom.
In 2021 Jeffrey filmed a TV pilot with Craig Shepherd, his wife Judy Buxton, Ellie Blackburn, Lucy Appleton and Ryaan Ali.
Called ‘Simply Ken’, the show charts the life of a man who has lost everything, from his marriage, daughter, to even his washing machine.
However, four years on comedy fans have yet to see the creation – but Jeffrey is hopeful it will air.
Speaking to The Sun, Jeffrey said: “It’s been rewritten. It wasn’t commissioned.
“But it’s a work in progress. So we’re waiting now to hear if anyone’s going to pick it up.
“So we still might get to see it. Indeed, yes. Fingers crossed.”
Meanwhile, Jeffrey also revealed how TV bosses can save comedies and sitcoms that are ‘in decline’.
The TV legend said producers need to reintroduce live audiences, similar to Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Jeffrey Holland: The First Rule of Comedy is available from February.
Best BBC comedies
We look back at some of the best to ever grace the screen.
Fawlty Towers (1975-1979) – Only two series were made of the beloved institution. However, the cultural impact of the series starring John Cleese and Connie Booth spans decades. It follows rude and intolerant Basil Fawlty (Cleese) as he attempts to improve the reputation of his hotel.
Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003) – The show was crowned by some as the best British sitcom of all time by a TV poll in 2004. Seven series were broadcast on BBC until 1991 with additional sporadic Christmas specials airing until 2003. Sir David Jason starred as ambitious market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter whilst Nicholas Lyndhurst played his younger half-brother Rodney. Set in working-class Peckham in south-east London, it follows the highs and lows of the lives of the Trotters’, in particular their brazen attempts to get rich.
Blackadder (1983 – 1989) – Four series were made of the iconic show, created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson. Each series spans a different historical period as anti-hero Edmund Blackadder (Atkinson) tries to better himself in each society. Accompanied by his dogsbody Baldrick (Tony Robinson), trouble always ensues. A TV poll in 2004 found that Blackadder was voted the second-best British sitcom of all time
Absolutely Fabulous (1992 – 2012) – Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley star as failing PR guru Edina ‘Eddie’ Monsoon and alcoholic fashionista Patsy Stone. The pair embark on heavy-drinking sessions and abuse drugs in a desperate attempt to stay ‘hip’. Eddie constantly chases bizarre fads and fails to lose weight whilst her disappointed and neglected daughter Saffy (Julia Sawalha) looks on.
Little Britain (2003 – 2006) – The premise is simple. A sketch show which features different British people from all walks of life that are engaged in all sorts of comical scenarios. Starring Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the pair created iconic pop culture characters. Viewers loved obnoxious council estate teenager Vicky Pollard, morbidly obese scrounger Bubbles Devere, slimming coach Marjorie Dawes, despondent office worker Carol Beer, disgraced politician Sir Norman Fry, of course the iconic Lou and Andy!
The Catherine Tate Show (2004-2015) – A sketch show starring the likes of Catherine Tate. She made iconic characters such as rowdy schoolgirl Lauren Cooper with her line ‘Am I bovvered?’. Other characters featured Bernie the nurse, the aga saga woman, complaining couple Janice and Ray, and of course her infamous ‘Nan’, Joannie Taylor. The last character herself spawned multiple specials and even a movie.
Gavin and Stacey (2007 – Present) The series tells the story of Gavin (Matthew Horne) and Stacey (Joanna Page). The pair embarked on an online and telephone romance for six months. But when they finally decide to be together properly, their friends and family get in the way. Ruth Jones and James Corden created the beloved show, which has been going for over a decade. The 2019 Christmas special was the most-watched comedy in 17 years and the most-viewed non-sporting event in a decade.
