Barker returns for Two Ronnies revival

Ronnie Barker is to come out of retirement to revive The Two Ronnies

Thr 74-year-old has been in retirement for the past 15 years, running an antiques shop in the Costwolds and only making occassional appearances on TV.

It was his latest, as the subject of a Bafta tribute last week, that prompted him to change his mind.

He told BBC1 controller Lorraine Heggessey that he wanted to write some new material, and she leapt at the chance.

The series has now been given the green light for a prime-time slot, although a date has not yet been confirmed.

A BBC spokesman said: 'They had a lot of fun making the tribute show and decided to see if they could bring The Two Ronnies back.

"Ronnie Barker said he wanted to write some fresh material so Lorraine has asked them to come up with something.

"A new series has been commissioned. It will feature new sketches interspersed with some of their classic material."

"It's in its very early stages, but we are confident it is going to be a big success."

The Bafta tribute attracted 7.2 million viewers - 30 per cent of the total audience. At its peak, The Two Ronnies, which ran from 1971 to 1987, attracted audiences of 17 million.

While Barker has kept out of the spotlight, Ronnie Corbett, now 73, has kept working.

His next project is a sitcom set in an old folks home, written by Marion And Geoff creator Rob Brydon and Little Britain's David Walliams.

Barker, meanwhile, has recently closed his antiques business.

Published: 14 Feb 2004