Casting Details Released for New "Are You Being Served?" Remake!

I've blogged before about my favorite British sitcom, "Are You Being Served?" It's still my favorite. I watch reruns of this old program most Saturday evenings on Iowa Public Television -- and have done so since the late 80s!

Over the years, I have watched each of the program's performers pass away. More recently, word came out that the BBC plans on remaking "Are You Being Served?" with a whole new cast. It will start off with one special and if it does well enough, then they will commission a whole new series!

Now the BBC has announced the casting details for this new program!

Jason Watkins has been cast as Mr. Humphries, the campy gay salesman originally portrayed by John Inman. I remember Watkins best for his role as a vampire leader in the British version of "Being Human," But he's been in a ton of movies and TV programs.

Sherrie Hewson has been cast as Mrs. Slocombe, the stuffy head of Grace Bros' ladies clothing department originally portrayed by Mollie Sugden.

Niky Wardley has been cast as Miss Brahms, the lower class junior in the ladies department originally portrayed by Wendy Richard.

John Challis has been cast as Captain Peacock, the grumpy store-walker originally played by Frank Thornton.

Roy Barraclough has been cast as Mr. Grainger, the elderly (and often napping) senior menswear salesman originally portrayed by Arthur Brough.

Arthur Smith has been cast as Mr. Harman, the pot-stirring maintenance man originally played by Arthur English.

And Mathew Horne has been cast to play the new Young Mr. Grace, grandson of the original Young Mr. Grace originally played by Harold Bennett.

Mr. Lucas and Mr. Rumbold don't appear to be in the new series. Instead, two new characters have been created: Miss Croft (played by Jorgie Porter) and Mr. Conway (played by Kayode Ewumi).

Here is how the new program is described:

The BBC say: "It's 1988 and Young Mr Grace is determined to drag Grace Brothers into, well 1988, but he has a problem on his hands. 

"Mr Humphries, Captain Peacock, Mr Rumbold and Mrs Slocombe all seem to be stuck in another era. A new member of staff, Mr Conway, joins the team but will he help shake things up or will he just put a pussy amongst the pigeons?" 

The new program will be recorded on March 5th. My understanding is that it will be broadcast sometime this fall.