Blackadder new series 'on the cards', according to Tony Robinson
The actor joked producers may not be able to afford Laurie's fee any more
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Edmund Blackadder and his loyal dogsbody Baldrick could be set for a comeback – if producers can afford Hugh Laurie’s wages.
Sir Tony Robinson, who played Baldrick in the popular Eighties BBC comedy, said a new series of Blackadder is “on the cards”, provided Laurie can be lured back.
Sir Tony joked that they might struggle to pay Laurie, who has gone on to become a huge name in the US following his hit drama House.
The comedian and former Time Team presenter said: “I do think a new series of Blackadder is on the cards. I have spoken to virtually all the cast about this now.
“The only problem is Hugh's fee. He's a huge star now - or so he'd like to think.”
He added: “Expectations for a new series will be high because people not only remember the original, they remember who they were when it was on. It's a big danger.”
Laurie is believed to have been paid as much as £250,000 per episode of House at its peak, which ran from 2004 to 2012. The hospital drama saw him adopt a convincing American accent to play the curmudgeonly but brilliant medic Dr Gregory House.
Before that he was a successful comedian, mostly alongside fellow Blackadder star Stephen Fry in programmes including their own sketch show Fry and Laurie and ITV's Jeeves and Wooster.
Blackadder starred Rowan Atkinson in the title role, before he went on to star in Mr Bean. Its historical settings spanned Medieval England to the First World War. It finished in 1989, though a special episode, Blackadder Back And Forth, was made for the Millennium Dome in 1999.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments