'Flash' to return in TV drama

Home to Heroes, the NBC-owned Sci-Fi channel is to make a TV version of the cult comic book series Flash Gordon.

Smallville actor Eric Johnson is to star in the lead role, with the supporting roles of Dale Arden and Doctor Zarkov yet to be cast.

The comic book character was orginallly created in 1934 by Alex Raymond.

In the 1930s it was part of the Saturday Morning Pictures movie serials, and has since been adapted for newspapers, animation, film, radio plays, and a 1950s TV series.

Actor Sam Jones brought the character to life in the 1980 film version, which has become a cult hit. The movie also starred many British actors including Brian Blessed as Prince Vultan and Bond actor Timothy Dalton as Prince Baron, and featured music from Queen.

The new TV series will begin filming next month in Vancouver, Canada, and will air on the Sci-Fi channel in the US in August.