Noel Fielding's axed Dick Turpin series could be saved amid comedian's health issues
All could not be lost for Noel Fielding's axed Apple TV+ series after all.
Production on the second series of The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin was halted over Christmas when the comedian, 51, pulled out of filming due to a mystery “health matter”, despite being the lead star as well as a writer and executive producer.
This meant it seemed we wouldn’t be getting any more of the highwayman’s silly adventures, which would have not only disappointed fans, but also those behind the series who had already pumped a lot of time and money into it.
It seems that there could be a glimmer of hope however as producers are reportedly trying to use the footage they have from the weeks of filming before Fielding’s departure to put together an hour-long special.
A TV insider told The Sun: “It’s now considered to be something of a salvage operation, although its not clear whether they have enough to do anything with.
“But the creators sank millions into making the show and it was around 70 to 80 per cent filmed by the time the axe fell.”
They went on to say that it would be difficult for everyone involved to see all their hard work go to waste, though it remains unclear if the guest stars set to appear in series two will make it into the special.
The guest stars were said to have included big names like Jason Isaacs, Dawn French, and Miranda Richardson.
Fielding has not disclosed the nature of his illness and is believed to presently be in France, with a spokesperson telling the MailOnline: “This is a private and confidential matter regarding our client’s health.”
He has however dismissed claims that his future as a host on The Great British Bake Off could now be at risk.
Meanwhile, more than 100 cast and crew members are reportedly considering a class action lawsuit against the makers of the show over its sudden cancellation.
“Axing a show halfway through production is virtually unheard of - plus there's a mystery over just what has happened,” a source told The Sun.
“It's left bosses of other shows he is on feeling extremely nervous. Plus he'll have to contend with any legal action. It will be a difficult few months for him.”
The Standard has contacted representatives for Fielding and Apple TV for comment.