PORRIDGE’S BBC reboot has gone cold after just one series.

The show, which started as a one-off special, went on to be a six-part series last autumn.

12 Kevin Bishop, who stars as Ronnie's grandson in the revamped version of Porridge, admits he was 'reticent' about starring in the series Credit: BBC Press Handout

However, it failed to recreate the magic of the original Seventies sitcom starring RONNIE BARKER as inmate Norman Fletcher.

In the remake, KEVIN BISHOP played Norman’s jailbird grandson Nigel, who was in prison for cyber hacking.

Kevin said: “(The original) is the closest thing to a perfect sitcom that I know. That’s why I was slightly reticent to jump on board.

“I thought, ‘As an audience member, if it isn’t good, I would completely slate it’.

12 Ronnie Barker, pictured left, starred in the iconic Seventies sitcom as prisoner Normal Fletcher Credit: PA/EMPICS

12 Porridge writer Ian La Frenais said they 'did their best' to recreate the spirit of the original series with comedy legend Ronnie Barker Credit: Handout

“It’s something that people hold very close to their hearts.”

And even though the show was remade with original writers, DICK CLEMENT and IAN LA FRENAIS, fans didn’t take to it.

Sun TV critic Ally Ross said: “You mess with Porridge, you might as well felt-tip a mullet on the Mona Lisa.

“So you had to feel a bit sorry for Kevin ‘Fletch’ Bishop and the new cast who were working with substandard Clement & La Frenais material and other restrictions.”

12 Kevin Bishop played Normal's jailbird grandson who's in prison for cyber hacking Credit: BBC

Axing the show after just one series is embarrassing for the Beeb as Porridge was one of the few successful reincarnations from its 2016 Landmark Comedy Season.

Other classics given one-off specials included Are You Being Served? starring SHERRIE HEWSON and Goodnight Sweetheart with NICHOLAS LYNDHURST.

While most reboots left viewers underwhelmed, Clement and La Frenais hoped their reworking of Porridge would be a hit.

La Frenais said: “We wanted to make sure that ours was the best. It was pure ego.”

12 Kevin Bishop was tentative of taking on the role as it's a series 'people hold very close to their hearts' Credit: Splash News

12 Ronnie Barker passed away from heart failure in 2005 Credit: PA:Press Association

But even the gifted writers failed to capture the spirit of the original show without the influence of comedy legend Barker.

The BBC really needs to learn how to make us laugh again.

bizbit KATIE HOLMES is making her TV come-back as an FBI agent in a pilot for a Homeland-style thriller. If picked up, it will be her first role as a series regular since Joey Porter on Dawson’s Creek, which ended in 2003.



Saara steps up for super tour

SHE’S already worked with the likes of ADAM LAMBERT, SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR and her close pal MATT TERRY.

And now SAARA AALTO is preparing to head out on the road with STEPS.

12 Saara Alto will be hitting the road with legendary group Steps for their stadium tour in May and June

I can reveal that the 2016 X-Factor runner-up, who will represent Finland at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, will be supporting the Noughties band on their stadium tour in May and June.

Saara said: “Hitting the road with Steps is going to be so much fun.

“It’s right after Eurovision so I will be on cloud nine after performing to millions of people.

“It will be the first chance to see my new music and some classic performances on the road in the UK, so I’m very excited.”

12 Saara Alton, who will represent Finland at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, has worked with stars from Adam Lambert and Matt Terry Credit: Splash News

Saara unveiled incredible dance track, Queens, which could be the song she performs at Eurovision in Portugal on May 8.

Finnish fans will vote between that, Monsters and Domino to decide which one makes it through to the competition.

Maybe she can get Steps to join her at the ceremony.

Watch the fabulous, outrageous video for X Factor finalist Saara Aalto's potential Eurovision song Queens

must watch WHAT? John Worboys: The Taxi Cab Rapist with SUSANNA REID, ITV, 9pm. WHY? Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna tells the story of the rapist and talks to some of his estimated 100 victims.

Stunt hero Louis didn't bridle at horse stampede

ACCORDING to the old saying, you should never work with children or animals – and BBC star LOUIS HUNTER learned that the hard way.

Louis, the hunky lead in epic drama Troy, narrowly escaped death after a stunt went wrong.

12 Troy star Louis Hunter was tramped on by horses while filming for the epic BBC drama Credit: BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

The actor was trampled by horses while filming the eight-parter, which continues on Saturday at 9.10pm on BBC1.

A show insider said: “Louis is modestly playing it down, but he was lucky to have survived.

“He wanted to do all his own stunts and had asked to do as many as possible.

“But things went a bit pear-shaped when he nearly got trampled to death by a group of horses.”

12 Louis Hunter narrowly escaped death after the horse riding stunt went wrong Credit: BBC Pictures' Digital Picture

Luckily, Louis escaped without serious injury and didn’t need a hospital trip while shooting scenes in South Africa.

Speaking about the incident, the Aussie actor said: “It’s fine now. These things happen in the world of making dramas.

“I hurt myself getting trampled by horses but I’m all good and back to full health.”

Time to get back on the horse then, Louis . . .

Why it's Shaun Dry-der

HAPPY Mondays caner SHAUN RYDER has ditched booze after taking part in ITV health show, 100 Years Younger In 21 Days.

Shaun is one of eight celebs attempting to knock a century off their combined ages in the show, which airs from Tuesday but was filmed last autumn.

12 Shaun Ryder will be starring in ITV health show 100 Years Younger In 21 Days Credit: www.tony-ward.co.uk

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Fellow contestant and former Emmerdale actress CLAIRE KING revealed: “He did say he hasn’t drunk since October. I was like, ‘Really?! I’d have a meltdown’.”

The celebs – who also include EastEnders’ JUNE BROWN and SID OWEN, presenter ROY WALKER and actress and TV host SHERRIE HEWSON – had to commit to a personalised diet and exercise routine.

Shaun has previously said he was thankful for his years of drugs and alcohol because they wiped out his embarrassing memories.

If he stays sober for much longer, they might start flooding back . . .

12 Former Loose Women co-host Sherrie Hewson and June Brown will also star in the strict health show Credit: Splash News