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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Iconic BBC comedy set to return for its 40th anniversary, hints one of its stars

Iconic BBC comedy Blackadder may be returning to TV 40 years after it first aired.

The much-loved show starred Tony Robinson, 76, as the hapless Baldrick and now the actor has hinted at the programme's return.

Talking to Christine Lampard on the Lorraine show today, he said: "All I'm going to say is: everybody likes to celebrate a 40th anniversary, don't they?

"So there must be some fresh way we can celebrate our 40th birthday, wouldn't you think?"

The show, which also starred Rowan Atkinson has the titular character and Miranda Richardson as Queenie, first aired in 1983.

Prince William was just a baby then, but Tony reckons the future king is a huge fan of the series.

He said: "When I was being knighted by Prince William, I'm down on my knees. He brings the old sword down and he says to me: 'I am such a fan of Blackadder.'

"I said to him 'Would you be on it?' He said: 'Yeah, if you asked me.' So in other words, I was casting whilst I was knighting."

Tony was knighted in the 2013 Queen's birthday honours for his public and political service.

Speaking about his tenure on Blackadder, which was written by Ben Elton and Richard Curtis, he added: "It's lovely really, it never palls because it just transformed my life.

The show first aired in 1983 (Daily Mirror)

"I was 38 by the time I did it but I was a child actor so I had been about a quarter of century in the business.

"Suddenly my whole life was transformed by the generosity of Rowan and the producer John Lloyd, who let me have all those little extra shots and lines."

Baldrick, who was once told his 'head was empty as a eunuch's underpants', by Blackadder, made a surprise appearance on Comic Relief this year.

Tony reprised his role from the BBC sitcom, reading a script by the original show's writer Richard Curtis, 66.

Tony reprised Baldrick for Comic Relief (BBC)

Baldrick read an alternative version of the fairytale Cinderella - Baldarella - making it the actor's first return to the role since short film Blackadder: Back & Forth in 1999.

Fans loved Tony's performance, with many praising the Time Team star's efforts.

One tweeted: "That was joyous! [Tony] hasn't lost it and still gives a brilliant performance as Baldrick."

While another said: "The Baldrick bedtime story was ace. You have got to love Baldrick. I miss Blackadder".

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