Lazarus, the deliberate sequel collection to Life On Mars, has been scrapped, its creators have confirmed “with a heavy coronary heart”.
The sequel was confirmed final 12 months and was set to see screenwriter and creator Matthew Graham reunite with author Ashley Pharoah on the script for the follow-up present.
Taking to Twitter, Graham and Pharoah revealed that the present will no longer be transferring forwards, on account of “hurdles” that have been “monetary not inventive”.
Graham wrote, by way of his manufacturing firm Watford & Essex: “Some unhappy information people. After many months of planning, we’ll no longer be making Lazarus.
“I can’t go into particulars however the hurdles have been monetary not inventive. Naturally all who have been concerned are sick as a jungle filled with parrots. Not least myself and [Pharoah].”
He went on: “It was a cracking idea – pertinent to our instances. It had an entire new spherical of issues to say in regards to the relationship between the general public and the police. And it was bloody humorous too. However that as they are saying is showbiz child.
“Forgive us if we don’t take questions on the choice or on what occurs subsequent for Gene, Sam and the gang. However we wished to let those that have been know in order that you could possibly as a substitute elevate a pint of tan n bitter to the Guv.”
Actually disappointing information however we gave it a correct crack. We’re nonetheless considering of a approach to both share the script with you or convey it out in one other kind. Till then…
Pub?
— Ashley Pharoah (@AJPharoah) June 3, 2023
Forgive us if we don’t take questions on the choice or on what occurs subsequent for Gene, Sam and the gang. However we wished to let those that have been know in order that you could possibly as a substitute elevate a pint of tan n bitter to the Guv.
— Watford&Essex 🇺🇦 (@EssexWatford) June 3, 2023
Pharoah then responded: “Actually disappointing information however we gave it a correct crack. We’re nonetheless considering of a approach to both share the script with you or convey it out in one other kind. Till then… Pub?”
Life On Mars aired for 2 seasons between 2006 and 2007 earlier than a three-series spinoff Ashes To Ashes. It tells the story of DI Sam Tyler (John Simm) who had a automobile accident within the 12 months 2006 and finds himself taken again in time to ’70s Manchester. He learns that he has a boss within the form of Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister), an old style DCI.
A brand new collection or one-off Life On Mars programme was reportedly beforehand turned down by the BBC again in 2020, in accordance with Graham’s fellow creator Ashley Pharoah. In 2018, he mentioned it had not made “monetary sense” for the company to make a mooted ’70s-set Christmas particular.