WHO
IS NUMBER SIX?
UPDATED
On
4th May 2006, "Prisoner" fans around the world awoke to news that,
according to a SKY press release covered by Broadcast, the BBC,
and several national newspapers, the Granada "Prisoner" remake will
be going ahead - scheduled for completion in 2007. Director of programmes
Richard Woolfe, despite axing SKY One flagship dramas "Hex" and
"Dream Team", remains committed to new drama and promised a "thrilling
reinvention.....If Doctor Who set the standard, The Prisoner raises the bar".
Ninth Doctor Christopher Eccleston (left) was incorreectly reported by several
sources to be in discussions about the lead role. The location of The Village
is yet to be decided, although Portmeirion has been ruled out.
During the weekend of 6th May, sources close to Christopher Eccleston reported that he has totally denied any approach or discussions related to playing Number Six, describing the press reports as "nonsense". Eccleston's management agency has also since denied that Eccleston will be playing the character, stating "Sky appear to have got their facts slightly wrong. In a word it's untrue. Chris has not been approached [and] is not in talks. In other words it's all balderdash. Sorry - but that's the truth."
The proposed new series of 6x60-minute episodes is set to cost £8m, making it SKY's most expensive production to date. To be written by Bill Gallagher ("Clocking Off", "Conviction"). Executive producer Damien Timmer said "The Prisoner is like Pandora's box - it's the ultimate conspiracy thriller......Like 24, the new series will entrap you from the opening scene. We hope it will tap into this iconic show's existing cult following, whilst creating a whole new generation of fans."
Radio and TV stations in the UK have also been covering the news, with BBC News 24 mentioning the re-make, and Rick Davy of this very website interviewed live on air by BBC Southern Counties Radio. We will bring more news if and when more announcements are made. For previous reports on the "new series" visit our News Archive.
1/6/6 UPDATE: According to the 3-9 June issue of "Radio Times", the new series re-make will be entitled "Number Six" and not "The Prisoner".
25/8/6 UPDATE: SKY One chief Richard Woolfe has cited the "Prisoner" TV re-make as "trailblazing" in an interview. More news HERE.
Thanks to Johnny Law, Peter Dunn, Jill Mills, Howard Bowden, Matt Crowther, Jon Older, Lew Stringer, for this news item.