The BBC is remaking Alan Bennett's 'Talking Heads' monologues.

Jodie Comer

Jodie Comer

Ten of the original pieces of footage from the award-winning monologues are being recreated by a host of famous faces, with two new additions having been written by the 85-year-old screenwriter in 2019.

Jodie Comer, Monica Dolan, Martin Freeman, Tamsin Greig, Sarah Lancashire, Lesley Manville, Lucian Msamati, Maxine Peake, Rochenda Sandall, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Imelda Staunton and Dame Harriet Walter have begun filming the new series, with each star featuring in separate stories amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Alan said: "In such difficult circumstances, that the BBC should choose to remount both series of 'Talking Heads', and produce two entirely new ones, is a comfort and a huge compliment.

"I hope a new generation of actors will get and give as much pleasure as we did 20 and 30 years ago."

'Talking Heads' originally aired on BBC over two series in 1988 and 1998 featuring Dame Patricia Routledge, Dame Maggie Smith, Stephanie Cole, Dame Julie Walters, Dame Thora Hird, Dame Eileen Atkins, David Haig and Dame Penelope Wilton.

The award-winning monologues have subsequently been taught at schools across the country to A-level and GCSE English Literature students.

They tell the stories of various characters by different actors and actresses.

The character of Lesley, for example, is an aspiring actress who believes she has landed her big break in a movie for the West German market.

However, it's later revealed that's she's actually being lined up to star in a soft porn film.

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