BBC’s Fawlty Towers set for comeback with John Cleese at helm

BBC’s Fawlty Towers is to be revived, with John Cleese returning to write and star.

The original show, also written by Connie Booth, ran on BBC2 for two series in 1975 and 1979. It followed the chaotic work of Torquay hotelier Basil Fawlty and his wife Sybil as they tried to keep their hotel and marriage afloat.

Castle Rock Entertainment has announced a deal with John to bring back the series. The revival will explore how the dramatic and cynical Basil navigates the modern world and teams up with the daughter he’s just discovered he has.

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Actor Rob Reiner, his wife and actress Michele Reiner, director and producer Matthew George and Derrick Rossi will act as executive producers on the series.

Discussing the revival, John said: “What I like about Matt is that, unlike many producers, he really ‘gets’ the creative process. When we first met, he offered an excellent first idea, and then Matt, my daughter Camilla, and I had one of the best creative sessions I can remember.

“By dessert, we had an overall concept so good that, a few days later, it won the approval of Rob and Michele Reiner. Camilla and I look forward enormously to expanding it into a series.”

Producer Matthew George admitted meeting John and Camilla was one of the “great thrills” of his life. He said: “I’m obsessed with Fawlty Towers and the legendary characters he created.

“I’ve watched the first two seasons so many times I have lost count. I dreamed of one day being involved in a continuation of the story. Now it’s come true.”

Rob Reiner said: “John Cleese is a comedy legend. Just the idea of working with him makes me laugh.”

The group produced a number of surreal sketch shows and films including Monty Python And The Holy Grail, Monty Python’s Life Of Brian and Monty Python’s The Meaning Of Life.

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