Noel Fielding’s The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is reportedly set for a return to screens, despite being axed midway through production due to the star’s mystery health fears.
After a successful first series, which he co-wrote and starred in, filming for a second series took place at the end of last year.
But when filming was set to resume after the Christmas holidays, cast and crew were told it had been axed three-quarters of the way into the shoot.
Now, it’s been reported that Apple TV+ bosses are considering an hour-long special to salvage footage that’s already been filmed, with a possible air date of Halloween.
A source 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.
Noel Fielding ‘s The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin is reportedly set for a return to screens, despite being axed midway through production
‘So it would now be galling to see what they have go entirely to waste. It’s not clear whether any of the sections they’d filmed included the guest stars, who are said to have included Jason Isaacs, Dawn French and Miranda Richardson.’
MailOnline has contacted representatives for Noel Fielding and Apple TV+ for comment.
It was reported earlier this month that Noel did not show up for Dick Turpin filming after the Christmas holidays, despite two thirds of the series already filmed.
Dick Turpin insiders said Noel, who played the lead role of the legendary highwayman, was unavailable for scheduled and rescheduled filming dates.
Cast and crew were told this week it has been scrapped due to ‘the illness of a key cast member’.
A spokesperson for Noel told the Mail: ‘This is a private and confidential matter regarding our client’s health.
‘We are saddened by the decision to cease production but we cannot make any further comment on this matter.’
It is understood that the presenter is recuperating in France.
The second series was axed midway through production after star Noel failed to return to filming following the Christmas holidays
Now, it’s been reported that Apple TV+ bosses are considering an hour-long special to salvage footage that’s already been filmed, with a possible air date around Halloween
A source close to the show told The Times: ‘Noel has said that he can’t film any more and so there was no choice but to stop.
‘It’s not a decision that was taken lightly and they wouldn’t have got to this extreme result if every possible solution hadn’t been exhausted.
‘People have been very concerned about Noel’s wellbeing and given him time to recover but there are also significant repercussions. Some people are furious.’
It’s thought that cast and crew from the show are reportedly planning to sue the show’s makers after it was axed.
It was reported by The Sun that more than 100 are considering a class action lawsuit against the makers of the Apple TV+ comedy.
They report that because Noel – who plays the character of Turpin – is also a co-writer and executive producer he is likely to be sued too.
Cast and crew were told the series has been scrapped due to ‘the illness of a key cast member’, with Noel now thought to be recuperating in France
A source said: ‘Axing a show halfway through production is virtually unheard of — plus there’s a mystery over just what has happened. 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 comedy series sees Noel play the infamous highwayman who lived from 1705 to 1739, in a fictional take on his life.
Along with his gang of loveable rogues, Dick experiences the highs and lows of celebrity, and does what he can to escape the clutches of the Thief Taker General.
It’s written and created by Claire Downes, Stuart Lane, Ian Jarvis of The Outlaws and The Job Lot, with Noel and Jeremy Dyson of League Of Gentleman as script consultants.
Love Productions, the makers of The Great British Bake Off, which begins filming its next series in April, were also said to be concerned for the star’s future and are drawing up contingency plans if Noel is forced to withdraw from the series also.
An insider said: ‘Everyone at Love Productions was, of course, worried to learn about Noel’s ill health, and will do everything they can to support him.
‘Nothing is set in stone, but they are preparing for every possible outcome and have plans in place if Noel is unable to continue as host on series 16.’
