The Stage

Eccleston in talks to lead Sky One Prisoner remake

Published Thursday 4 May 2006 at 12:00 by Liz Thomas

Christopher Eccleston is being tipped to take on the lead role of Number 6 in Sky One’s new take on sixties classic The Prisoner.

The actor, who caused controversy after he sensationally quit Doctor Who last year after just one series, is understood to be in talks with the broadcaster and production company Granada to take on the role.

The updated version of the cult classic, originally starring Patrick McGoohan, has been given the go ahead by Sky One’s new director of programmes Richard Woolfe. Penned by Conviction writer Bill Gallagher, the series is due to be broadcast next year. There will be six hour long episodes costing in excess of £6 million in total.

Despite axing long running drama Dream Team and teen favourite Hex since he arrived at the channel less than six weeks ago, Woolfe has said he remains committed to indigenous drama.

• BBC1 controller Peter Fincham has recommissioned Jimmy McGovern’s drama The Street. The show has met with widespread acclaim and is only half way through its first run.