First look at BBC classic Porridge remake starring Kevin Bishop

THE BBC'S classic prison sitcom Porridge is being rebooted and the first pictures of the new inmates have been released.

Comedian and actor Kevin Bishop will play Nigel 'Fletch' Fletcher, who is the grandson of Ronnie Barker’s iconic character Norman Stanley Fletcher.

The new episode will be aired this autumn as part of the BBC's sitcom season alongside other classics such as Are You Being Served?

Also starring in the highly anticipated reboot are Catastrophe's mark Bonnar as Officer Meekie, Ralph Ineson - known for The Office - as prison bad boy Richie Weeks.

And former EastEnders star Dave Hill will play cellmate Joe Lotterby.

The cast have big boots to fill as the original show, which from 1974 to 1977 is considered a classic.

It starred Kate Beckinsale's father, Richard as well as David Jason and Fulton Makay.

According to the BBC, the episode will centre on young Fletch, who’s behind bars for a white collar crime.

“Everyone in Wakefield Prison knows that Fletch is in for cyber-crimes - he’s a hacker extraordinaire.

"So when prison hard case Richie Weeks needs someone to hack in and amend his record so he gets parole, Fletch is the man he turns to - and Fletch is in no position to refuse.

"Richie can get him what he needs to pull it off, Fletch just needs to not mess it up."

While many are concerned if the remake will live up to the original, Kevin insists the 30 minute long episode will offer up plenty of laughs.

He said: "Dick and Ian have brought Porridge back to life again with a brilliant script and it is a genuine honour to be involved in a show that is iconic in so many ways.

"Ronnie Barker’s character was one of the most loved in BBC history and the thought of stepping into his grandson’s shoes fills me with both thrills and paralytic fear!"

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