BBC scraps 'Singing Detective' re-showing over fee dispute

The BBC has reportedly scrapped plans to re-broadcast Dennis Potter's acclaimed drama The Singing Detective for its 25th anniversary after a dispute over fees.

The Guardian says that BBC Four's plans to repeat the seminal six-part drama from this Sunday have been thwarted after negotiations with the Potter estate broke down yesterday.

Judy Daish, the agent representing the Potter estate, declined to reveal exact details of the dispute, but did say that the two parties were apart by no more than £5,000.

Asked whether her client would like to see the series back on the BBC, Daish said: "Of course. Absolutely, unquestionably."

A spokeswoman for BBC Four confirmed that the corporation had been unable to reach an agreement for The Singing Detective reshowing.

"Value for money for the licence fee payer is a priority for BBC Four and it would be inappropriate to pay above the odds for any programme, particularly during a time of budget cuts," she said.

"The Singing Detective was shown as part of a major two-month Dennis Potter season in 2004/5 which also included Pennies from Heaven, eight plays and several Arena specials.

"BBC Four does not have big budgets for this kind of programme and we offered a fair deal that was turned down."

The Singing Detective, starring Michael Gambon, caused a stir when it was aired by the BBC from November 16 to December 21 in 1986, and has proved hugely influential on TV ever since.

In 2003, the drama was adapted into a movie starring Robert Downey Jr and Mel Gibson, with the locations changed to the United States.