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 It was a comedy classic that  amassed a cult following and scooped six Baftas, only to be shelved for two decades. Now, as the BBC finally contemplates Tutti Frutti's return, the original cast members have branded the broadcaster's decision to run it on BBC4 a disgrace.
Described by one cast member as the best series ever made in Scotland, the six-part comedy drama which propelled Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson to stardom has been aired just once since it first appeared in 1987.
Scottish writer John Byrne captured a moment in time, charting the fortunes of The Majestics, a Scottish rock band embarking on its silver jubilee tour after the death of lead singer, Big Jazza.
Last month, the BBC suggested it was close to ironing out copyright issues which it claimed had prevented its return, and pencilled in Monday evenings from 10pm on BBC4 as the preferred June slot.
But actor Maurice Roeves, who played Majestics guitarist Vincent Diver, called their plans "absolute rubbish". Roeves said: "What's the point of putting it on BBC4 when TV companies are fighting for audiences? Put it on BBC1 and they will get a massive audience. It really does make you wonder what is going on. I try not to think about it because I just get angry and upset.
"I know Channel 4 had wanted to buy it and I just wish Michael Grade had managed. He always said it would be a massive hit on its third showing. It means a lot to folk and they are being cheated."
Full story in The Sunday News
Tutti Frutti
UK, BBC, Comedy serial, Colour, 1987
Starring: Robbie Coltrane, Emma Thompson, Maurice Roeves
John Byrne's hilarious comic opus charting the
fortunes of the Majestics, the Scottish 'Kings Of Rock'. They are about
to embark on their silver jubilee tour when lead singer, Big Jazza,
drops dead. His younger brother Danny, home from New York for the
funeral, reacquaints himself with the band and deputises for his late
brother as the tour goes ahead. Also in the picture is Danny's old
flame, Suzi Kettles, a sharp cookie happy to pick up the guitar; she
too joins the band and from that moment their fortunes take a turn for
the better.
This was a corking comedy-drama featuring dazzling
dialogue and all-round knock-out performances. Robbie Coltrane was
particularly outstanding as the rotund but sexy Danny, and Emma
Thompson was appealing as the sharp, strong and independent Suzi. Their
romance was played out against a background of funny, dramatic and
touching scenes depicting a band, well past its best-by date, suddenly
finding a new lease of life. Adding to the heady brew was Richard
Wilson as the Majestics' hilariously dour manager Eddie (almost a
prototype Victor Meldrew), and Katy Murphy as his lippy secretary Janis
Toner. A joy.
Cast
Robbie Coltrane - Danny McGlone
Emma Thompson - Suzi Kettles
Maurice Roeves - Vincent Diver
Richard Wilson - Eddie Clockerty
Stuart McGugan - Bomba MacAteer
Jake D'Arcy - Fud O'Donnell
Ron Donachie - Dennis Sproul
Katy Murphy - Janis Toner
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