Tomlinson gets England recall

Ricky Tomlinson is set to reprise his role as a football manager in a new sitcom based on the film Mike Basset: England Manager.

15:08 07 October 2004

Actor Ricky Tomlinson is set to reprise his role as a football manager in a new sitcom based on the film Mike Basset: England Manager.

The star, famous for his parts The Royle Family and Clocking Off, is in talks with ITV about the spin-off series.

Sioned William, ITV controller of comedy, commented: "Mike Basset was a huge hit in cinemas and we are thrilled to be bringing these great characters back in this new incarnation."

The 2001 film, a low budget British success, saw the actor play an old-fashioned football manager who unexpectedly got English football's top job.

However, the new series is expected to see the character down on his luck, managing a fictional third division club while trying to keep his marriage together.

It is also believed that actress Amanda Redman, who starred as Mike Basset's wife in the film, is in talks to take up that role again in the new series.