The BBC is planning a drama based on the origins of its legendary WWII comedy Dad's Army that will star Shane Richie.
The EastEnders actor will play Bill Pertwee in BBC Two's Making Dad's Army, a one-off film about the show's beginnings in 1967 up until its first broadcast in 1968, and the struggles creators Jimmy Perry and David Croft endured to get it on TV.
Friday Night Dinner star Paul Ritter will play Perry, while Game of Thrones actor Richard Dormer will take on the part of his writing partner Croft.
The rest of the Dad's Army actors will be played by John Sessions (as Arthur Lowe), Julian Sands (as John Le Mesurier), Mark Heap (as Clive Dunn), Kevin Bishop (as James Beck), Michael Cochrane (as Arnold Ridley) and Ralph Riach (as John Laurie).
The drama has been written by Stephen Russell (Shameless) and will be directed by Steve Bendelack (The Royle Family). The BBC will announce its broadcast date in the near future. Don't be surprised if it's a Christmas cracker!
