'Lovejoy' is set for a revival.
Ian McShane
The classic BBC One series - which starred Ian McShane as the titular antiques dealer from 1986 to 1994 - is set for a fresh adaptation 33 years on after Blue Sky Pictures' Nick Witkowski bought the rights to Jonathan Gash's novels.
He said: "'Lovejoy', based on Jonathan Gash's classic character and books, was one of the most successful and popular long running series in British television history.
"We plan to update it for the 21st century for both the millions who followed the original and a whole new generation of viewers."
Meanwhile, the author's agent Lisa Moylett revealed the writer is delighted the series will make a return.
She added: "We are very excited to be working with Nick Witkowski who has a strong and compelling vision for the series. Jonathan Gash, who has written 24 critically-acclaimed 'Lovejoy' novels, is absolutely thrilled at the prospect."
Ian, 76, recently revealed while he would love the show to get a reboot, he suggested it would work better with a young female as the focal point of the drama.
He explained: "Everybody keeps asking me about my thing in 'Lovejoy' and I said if you are going to do 'Lovejoy', then hire a daughter.
"It would be a perfect. It is a great part for a young actress in England. You bring it back, talk about Lovejoy and then in walks this gorgeous blonde and that is the new Lovejoy."
However, the actor ruled himself out of appearing in any revival.
He said: "But you know you cannot go back again 25 years. As much as you like to, it is not the same."
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