The Fast Show set to be revived

\'The Fast Show\' is being revived for a one-off special.

The popular sketch show - which previously ran from 1995 until 2014 - is set to return to TV screens later this year, when the one-off show will air on UKTV.

A TV insider told the Daily Star Sunday newspaper: "After years of conversations it\'s finally happening - the gang are getting back together. This is something the fans have wanted for years."

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The upcoming special will feature members of the original cast, including Paul Whitehouse, John Thomson and Charlie Higson.

And John has promised fans that the one-off special will prove to be worth the wait.

He said: "Fans have something to look forward to. There\'s something in the pipeline. I think people want the show back on TV too. It\'s stood the test of time. It\'s all still relevant.

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"You can bring the characters back right now and it\'ll still work.

"It\'s a show with solid sketch work. It\'s really funny, and it has really strong characters."

The stars of the show are due to meet up in the near future, as they plan the special, and filming is expected to begin in a few weeks.

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The cast actually tried to revive the programme to mark its 25th anniversary.

But John previously admitted BBC bosses rejected the proposal because of the costs involved.

He said: "They went to the Beeb with a budget for everything that wasn\'t extortionate for two half-hours and the powers that be said, \'No\'. I was very shocked because the demand for a 25th anniversary would be huge."