The Fawlty Towers reboot will be set in an exotic location – but John Cleese admits it won’t be as funny as the original.
The Monty Python legend’s BBC sitcom was originally broadcast over two series in 1975 and 1979.
READ MORE: Iconic TV comedy Fawlty Towers set to make a comeback after 40 years off-air
Asked by a fan on Twitter if he thought it “possible to make new episodes of Fawlty Towers that are genuinely funny like the originals” Cleese said: “Virtually impossible.
“But it is possible to make something that’s funny enough. And completely different, of course.’’
The 70s show was set in the Devon resort of Torquay. But Cleese, 83, explained: “When I look at old clips now, all these wonderful English character actors aren’t with us any more. So suddenly we thought that if the only continuing character is Basil, then we can come up with something surprising.
(Image: PA)
“Then we thought, ‘Where?’ Not in a small English town but somewhere more fun and much more different – say a Caribbean island with a few rich people coming to stay.
“It becomes very multi-racial. People come from everywhere so you can bring lots of different people together.”
Cleese, who will return as manic hotelier Basil Fawlty, also revealed that the new series he is penning with daughter Camilla, 39, left, will not be a Beeb production.
He said: “I’m not doing it with the BBC because I won’t get the freedom.
(Image: BBC)
“I was terribly lucky before because I was working for the BBC in the late 60s, 70s and the beginning of the 80s.
“That was the best time. The BBC was run by people with real personality who loved the medium.”
Cleese hit back at BBC host Nick Robinson who said the Monty Python star would have rediscover his sense of humour if the new show was going to work.
The comedian has made several testy appearances on Radio 4’s Today programme over the years.
(Image: NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Presenter Robinson told Today listeners: “He’ll have to discover some humour because he’s been very cross, John Cleese, the last few times we’ve talked to him on this programme. No doubt he can be funny still. We’ll see.’’
Cleese responded on Twitter: “While I’m always grateful to receive career advice from a towering talent like Nick Robinson, I think it is more important for the British public that the BBC re-discovers its sense of humour.
“Those were the days…’’
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
