FANS have been crying out for an Only Fools And Horses reunion for years and now they have one – sort of.
The legendary David Jason and Sue Holderness, who played Marlene Boyce in the classic show, will be working together very soon.
I’m told Sue is joining the cast of Still Open All Hours, the BBC1 comedy sequel to Ronnie Barker’s original from the Seventies and Eighties, which has started filming its fifth series in Doncaster this week.
It’s the first time Sue and David, inset, have worked together since 2003, when Only Fools sadly came to an end after a run of Christmas specials.
A TV source said: “Sue and David have kept in touch over the years but this is the first proper project that they have worked on together since Only Fools ended more than 14 years ago.
“The BBC are delighted they’ve managed to convince her to come on board for Still Open All Hours.
“She will be seen over several episodes in the series, alongside other big-name guests.”
A BBC spokes-woman told me last night: “We’re excited that Sue Holderness will be a recurring guest on the next series of Still Open All Hours.
“She will bring a huge fan base from her work as Marlene in Only Fools And Horses.”
Del Boy and Rodney in a Reliant Robin high-speed car chase on Only Fools and HorsesOnly Fools broke records for a sitcom by having the most-watched episode ever, pulling in more than 24.3million viewers for the last one featuring Uncle Albert in 1996. No surprise they are trying to bring a few of those viewers along by hiring Sue.
More from Andy Halls' Bizarre TV Column
Durrmatic return
THE final episode of The Durrells went out earlier this month, but I’ve got good news for fans of the ITV series – it’s coming back for a fourth outing.
The Corfu-based show, which is set in the Thirties and stars Keeley Hawes and Josh O’Connor, saw 3.6million people tune into the finale. And with viewers eager for more, bosses haven’t hung about.
A set source said: “Producers are happy that the series has picked up a fanbase and fills the tough Sunday night slot.”
Louisa Durrells ends her relationship with Hugh moments before he's stabbed on The DurrellsThe new six-parter will still be based on Gerald Durrell’s books, and will be written by Simon Nye.
Producer Sally Woodward Gentle said: “We are delighted to be making more of The Durrells on magical Corfu. It’s a dream come true.”
It doesn’t sound like work.
JOIN THE RANGANATION
COMIC Romesh Ranganathan is about to front his own show for BBC2.
And he is on the hunt for members of the public to make up a panel for the show, which will be called The Ranganation.
A source close to the comedian said: “Romesh is very excited about the project, which begins filming next month, and is hoping it gets made into a series but it’s early days.”
It comes with the news that his first US comedy-docu, Just Another Immigrant, will be screened there next month.
Sounds like someone won’t have time to watch the World Cup.
C4 plans wedding bust-ups
JUST a day after I told you about Nick Knowles’s Home Is Where The Art Is, TV bosses have commissioned another show where they clearly thought up the name of before the concept.
I’m told Channel 4 is making a new five-parter called Bride And Prejudice, which will follow six couples as they confront deeply held opposition from their families about race, religion, class, age and sexuality.
The series, which will be shown later this year, will include heated debates and face-offs as the couples try to win over their loved ones in the run-up to the big day.
Producer Duncan Coates said: “There’s nothing like a wedding to flush out a family drama, especially when it crosses traditional divides. Bride And Prejudice is a timely reworking of an age-old love story.
“Warm, witty and searingly honest, it’s a brilliant insight into the struggles for acceptance played out across Britain today.”
Biz Bit
Gillian Anderson and Asa Butterfield will headline new Netflix comedy-drama Sex Education. The eight-parter features Gillian as a sex therapist whose job comes in handy for her son when trying to earn respect at school.
SOAPBOX
IT is decision time for Martin in EASTENDERS as he realises he wants to move on from his relationship.
He’s struggling to forgive Stacey over her deception with Hayley and decides it is the end of the road. But after speaking to Kush, he ponders a reunion with Sonia.
Stacey struggles to be around Martin during a kids’ party and rushes off.
Meanwhile, with the Royal Wedding festivities imminent, Linda is livid when Stuart breaks her favourite royal mug.
In CORONATION STREET Kate is desperate to take her mind off the loss of Aidan. She and Sophie head to town and get drunk.
A group of lads try to play drinking games with the pair but when Kate tells them to get lost they turn nasty.
Must avoid
WHAT? They’re Getting Married In The Morning, 7pm, BBC1.
WHY? In case you’ve been living under a rock, Kirsty Young, Huw Edwards and Dermot O’Leary preview the year’s most overly hyped wedding.
Biz Bit
THE name of the Suits spin-off has been confirmed. Second City will follow Jessica Pearson in to politics. Meanwhile, Katherine Heigl will join Suits as Meghan Markle has left. Wonder what she’s up to these days.
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