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Monty Python are set to reunite on what is expected to be a new project for the first time in 30 years.

Surviving members John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones and Michael Palin will announce their plans on Thursday.

The comedy veterans will make their announcement at a press conference in London after months of secret talks.

A spokesman for the Pythons remained tight-lipped on what form the reunion would take, and whether they would perform live, in a TV special or film.

But he said: "A press conference is set for Thursday where the Pythons themselves will be unveiling their plans to work together again."

Meanwhile Idle tweeted yesterday: "Only three days to go till the Python press conference.

"Make sure Python fans are alerted to the big forthcoming news event."

Released in 1983, Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life was the final occasion all six original stars worked together full-time before Graham Chapman died from cancer in 1989.

Rumours of a reunion have resurfaced several times over the years, with plans for a US tour in 1999 and a sequel to movie hit Monty Python And The Holy Grail mooted.

But the big comeback has never quite happened - with some members of the troupe waving off any interest in bringing the act back.

Idle once joked: "We would only do a reunion if Chapman came back from the dead. So we're negotiating with his agent."

Landmark BBC TV series Monty Python’s Flying Circus first aired in 1969.

Forty-five episodes of the sketch comedy were created over four series until 1974 - going on to influence comedians, writers, filmmakers, artists, animators worldwide and across the years.

On the big screen, 1979 satire Life of Brian saw the Pythons accused of blasphemy and proved so controversial it was banned from cinemas in nearly 40 local authorities.

Immediately gaining the status of a cult classic, it is now regarded as one of the finest comedy films of all time.

Other notable flicks include And Now For Something Completely Different (1971), Holy Grail (1975) and The Meaning of Life (1983).