Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais to make Henry IX for Gold
Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, the writers behind hit comedies including Porridge and The Likely Lads, have scripted a brand new sitcom.
Henry IX, which has been ordered by UKTV channel Gold, is a three-part sitcom focused around a king.
The show is described as: "A single camera series on a grand scale set in the fictitious, contemporary court of Henry IX, King of the United Kingdom."
The creators explain: "This is the almost universal story of a middle-aged man trapped in his life... except this one just happens to be the reigning monarch."
Henry IX is one of three scripted comedy series announced by Gold today. Also ordered are Marley's Ghosts and Bull. The channel has promised to announce another raft of shows later this year.
Simon Lupton, Commissioning Editor for UKTV, comments: "These commissions demonstrate our commitment to working with the brightest and the best, ranging from welcoming the legendary Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais back to British TV, to exciting emerging writers, all of whom have produced classic stand-out comedy characters placed firmly in the 21st century.
"We are offering our audience refreshing and enticing shows they can relate to and fall in love with. It genuinely feels like we have something for everyone, and we can't wait to share them with our viewers."
Henry IX goes into production this summer, and will be shown on Gold in either late 2015 or early 2016. Casting details will be announced at a later date.