BBC Radio 4 has commissioned a third run of The Missing Hancocks – re-recordings of the 20 episodes of Hancock’s Half Hour lost from the BBC archives.
Starring Kevin McNally as Hancock, the series has so far re-recorded 10 of the lost episodes and fans will now get to enjoy a further five of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson’s classic scripts.
First broadcast on the BBC Home Service in the 1950s, Hancock’s Half Hour is seen as influential to the development of the sitcom genre while Galton and Simpson went on to create Steptoe And Son.
The Missing Hancocks will be produced and directed by BBC Radio Comedy and Neil Pearson, and will be recorded in front of a live studio audience for transmission on BBC Radio 4 in 2017/18.
Joining McNally around the microphone will be cast regulars Kevin Eldon, Susy Kane, Simon Greenall and Robin Sebastian once again joining Kevin McNally around the microphone.
Sioned Wiliam, Commissioning Editor for Comedy on Radio 4, says: “I am delighted to commission more episodes of The Missing Hancocks, particularly when Neil shared his choice of scripts this time round – I’m very excited by what’s in store!
“But the biggest joy is having the great Galton and Simpson back on Radio 4.”
Following the success of the radio show, Hancock fans will also be able to see McNally in the televised version of Hancock’s Half Hour, The New Neighbour, which will air as part of the BBC comedy sitcom season this summer.