Danny John-Jules: Red Dwarf should be praised for diversity

Danny John-Jules believes \'Red Dwarf\' should be a "bastion" of diversity in television.

The 59-year-old actor - who played the role of Cat in the hit sci-fi comedy series - has praised the beloved show for casting black actors to play characters not based on their race or stereotypes.

He told Radio Times: "It was totally ahead of its time. All this rubbish they\'re talking about diversity today makes me laugh through my teeth.

"\'Red Dwarf\' should have been held up as a bastion of diversity in television. Fifty per cent of its cast were black, you never had a person\'s colour mentioned once - 32 years later and we\'re still doing that."

The show aired on BBC Two from 1988 to 1999 before making a return to Dave in 2009 with the four principal cast members - Danny, Craig Charles, Robert Llewellyn and Chris Barrie - returning to their roles on board the spaceship.

Craig added that the producer\'s cast the franchise incredibly well as the stars "click" together.

He explained: "We\'re all four very different people but when you stick us in a room it all just seems to click. I think these are the longest adult relationships I\'ve ever had.

"I\'ve known Rober, Chris and Danny longer than I\'ve known anyone else, including my wife. All our children were born when I was making the show."

What\'s more, the actors will back to tear into each other as they are set to star in a two hour feature-length film of the cult sci-fi sitcom later this year.

Craig said: "I\'m really excited to get back on board with the boys from the Dwarf. I can\'t wait to discuss Robert\'s prostate problems, Chris Barrie\'s hip replacement and have a proper look at Danny\'s new dentures whilst they marvel at the agelessness of the Charles physique.

"I will surely require the services of a chiropractor after dragging these doddering misfits through what promises to be our most epic adventure yet."