The Brittas Empire cast reunite for the show’s twenty year anniversary – after rumours the series could get a reboot this year
Star of the show Chris Barrie said he was keen for a reboot as he reminisced with his cast members
THE Brittas Empire cast have reunited after 20 years – amid rumours the series could get a reboot this year.
The hit 90s comedy - which ran for six series from 1991 to 1997 - followed the misfortunes of Gordon Brittas and his dysfunctional staff who struggled to cope with his ill-thought out ideas.
And yesterday the cast got back together for the first time since the show ended to share their fond memories of the show and open a newly-refurbished Ringwood Leisure Centre in Hampshire which was real-life Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre in the sitcom.
Leading the way was actor Chris Barrie, who played incompetent leisure centre manager Gordon Brittas, and was more than happy to get back in character and blow his whistle.
He was joined by Pippa Haywood, who played Gordon's long-suffering wife Helen, Michael Burns, whose character Colin was always blighted by skin diseases, and Julia St John, who played deputy manager Laura.
There was also the receptionist Carole (Harriet Thorpe) who kept her baby in a drawer and sarcastic secretary Julie, played by Judy Flynn.
The show was broadcast on BBC1 and had 53 episodes - including two Christmas specials. At its peak it attracted audiences of 10million.
Their reunion comes amid rumours earlier this year that the show is set to return to TV.
Star of the show Chris, 57, is certainly very keen, saying: "We all have such amazing memories of our time working on the show and if the opportunity arose I'd love to do more episodes.
"I've said previously that Mr Brittas was something of a health and safety pioneer, so to see him in the 21st century, when health and safety has gone too far in my opinion, could be really interesting.
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"I've not spoken to the writers about it but there's definitely a market for these classic shows coming back.
"I was in Red Dwarf which came back after a long time out and that's proved as popular as ever, so you never know.
"Even when I go to sci-fi conventions with Red Dwarf, people always ask me is Mr Brittas coming back, so there is definitely potential there.
"Seeing everyone, and being back where it all happened for us, is a little bit surreal to be honest, but it was a fantastic time with a fantastic group of actors and crew."
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