Monty Python actress Carol Cleveland has expressed surprise at the revival of the classic sitcom Fawlty Towers, more than 40 years after its final episode aired. The 81-year-old, who appeared in 30 episodes of Monty Python's Flying Circus and all four of their films, told The Mirror she was 'delighted' but 'amazed' by the news.
John Cleese, 83, who played the irascible hotelier Basil Fawlty, is writing new episodes with his daughter Camilla Cleese, 39. The new series will explore how Basil fares in the modern world and will focus on his relationship with a daughter he only recently discovered he fathered. The pair decide to open a boutique hotel together.
Cleveland, now semi-retired in West Sussex, questioned whether the show could match the original. 'I can't see it matching the original, but maybe it's not meant to,' she said. She also wondered how Cleese would handle today's political correctness, adding: 'It might not be as fun if it's so politically correct.'
The revival is being developed by Castle Rock Entertainment, with Rob Reiner, his wife Michele Reiner, Matthew George and Derrick Rossi as executive producers. Cleese praised the creative process, saying: 'What I like about Matt is that, unlike many producers, he really 'gets' the creative process.'
BBC presenter Nick Robinson suggested Cleese would need to rediscover his humour, noting that the comedian had been 'very cross' in recent interviews. Cleese has previously complained about being 'cancelled or censored' and criticised the Brexit debate and the Tory government.
Fawlty Towers originally ran for 12 episodes from 1975 to 1979 and was named the greatest British sitcom of all time by a Radio Times panel in 2019. The new series is expected to air on a yet-to-be-announced platform.
