BBC Two working on The Making Of Dad's Army drama
BBC Two is working on a drama based on the story of how comedy writers David Croft and Jimmy Perry managed to get Dad's Army made despite opposition from BBC management.
The BBC describes the one-off show as focusing on the story of how "Jimmy Perry and David Croft overcame BBC management scepticism, focus groups and cast constipation to get the much loved legend onto air".
They explain: "Running from Perry's initial idea in 1967 until the transmission of the first episode in 1968, this affectionate and witty film shows the beginnings of Perry and Croft's writing partnership and the casting woes, personal clashes and production difficulties that put the show's very existence in jeopardy. It reveals to fans and newcomers alike what went on behind the scenes in the making of Dad's Army and is a true love letter to British creativity."
BBC management was very sceptical about the idea for Dad's Army when it was submitted by the creators. Speaking in 1975, TV executive Huw Wheldon admitted he was wrong, saying: "In 1968 I was one of a small group of programme executives who became distinguished for recognising that a script by David Croft and Jimmy Perry called Dad's Army would not work. It was pressed very hard and eventually with reluctance and anxiety all round it was agreed that they should try six."
The new BBC drama, which hasn't yet been given a title but is currently called The Making Of Dad's Army, has been scripted by Stephen Russell, the writer who previously created the Hattie Jacques biopic Hattie for BBC Four.
David Croft died in 2011, but it is not currently known whether Jimmy Perry - who is now 91 years-old - has been asked to be involved in this new project.
Friday Night Dinner star Paul Ritter will play Jimmy Perry, whilst Richard Dormer (Beric Dondarrion in Game Of Thrones) will take on the role of David Croft.
John Sessions will be Arthur Lowe, the man who made the character of Captain Mainwaring his own; with Julian Sands (A Room With A View) as John Le Mesurier, aka Sergeant Wilson.
Other casting confirmed includes Mark Heap as Corporal Jones actor Clive Dunn; Shane Richie as Bill Pertwee, who played Hodges; and Kevin Bishop as James Beck, the actor who portrayed Walker in the first six series.
The Archers' Michael Cochrane has been cast as Godfrey actor Arnold Ridley; Ralph Riach will play John Laurie, aka Frazer; with Miranda star Sally Phillips as Ann Croft, the talent-manager wife of David; and Keith Allen as BBC TV executive Paul Fox.
Further casting will be announced at a later date. Steve Bendelack, the experienced director behind shows such as Friday Night Dinner and The Royle Family, will oversee the shoot, which will take place in Northern Ireland later this year.
Speaking at the Edinburgh Television Festival, BBC Two's Kim Shillinglaw said "Who can resist the behind-the-scenes story of the making of British legend Dad's Army, brought to us by a highly talented on and off screen team."
This news follows the creation of a new Dad's Army film. The movie, which will be out next year, stars Toby Jones as Captain Mainwaring and Bill Nighy as Sergeant Wilson. Trailer