Lucas turns down 'Robin Hood' role

Matt Lucas has cast serious doubts upon the prospect of his portraying Friar Tuck in BBC series Robin Hood, explaining that his busy schedule would not allow such a commitment.

Last week it was rumoured that Lucas would join the Saturday night drama as the portly man of the cloth, after BBC One channel controller Peter Fincham said he "would be very happy" if he filled the role. He added that the Little Britain comedian had also been unofficially enthusiastic about the idea.

However, The Stage reports that Lucas has said that he will not be able to take the part next year, in what already promises to be a hectic twelve months. 2007 will see Lucas and comedy partner David Walliams take their Little Britain stage show to Australia, as well as work on a US version of the programme.