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David Jason is to star in a brand new ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One comedy series for the first time in 20 years, since the last series of Only Fools And Horses.

Danny Cohen, Controller, ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One and Cheryl Taylor, Controller, Comedy Commissioning, have commissioned The Royal Bodyguard from Hat Trick Productions, written by Mark Bussell and Justin Sbresni, creators of The Worst Week Of My Life, which will go into production in July.

Danny Cohen comments: "I am absolutely delighted to welcome David Jason back to a leading comedy role on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One. David is a hugely talented performer and much loved by British viewers. When I read the script I knew he would be perfect for this role."

David Jason (Touch Of Frost, Only Fools And Horses, Open All Hours) plays Captain Guy Hubble, a lifelong soldier coming up for retirement who has recently been put in charge of Royal security. An ex-guardsman who saw action in Cyprus and Northern Ireland, he sounds perfect for the job.

Unfortunately, he turns out to be the worst possible appointment as he is totally out of his depth. He should never have got the job, having previously worked in the car park at Buckingham Palace, but owing to a terrible misunderstanding, he's been promoted with the Queen's blessing to this important role. Now the fate of the Royal Family is in the hands of this walking disaster as he supervises security arrangements for all their engagements.

David Jason says: "I am really looking forward to working with the very talented producer Jimmy Mulville, and working on a great comedy project with the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳. It will be good to have a laugh again!"

Jimmy Mulville comments: "When Cheryl Taylor got behind this brilliant script by Mark Bussell and Justin Sbresni (The Worst Week Of My Life, Armstrong And Miller) and Danny Cohen suggested David Jason for the starring role, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven!"

Cheryl Taylor adds: "I couldn't be more thrilled that one of our most celebrated and talented comedy actors will be entertaining audiences again on ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ One. Mark and Justin have written a brilliant vehicle for David Jason and I can't wait to see the finished product."

KT/AN/KB3