Kevin Whately in BBC's Pure Wickedness

A BBC spokesperson confirmed such a project was "in development" but could give no details at this stage.

The series ran from 1983 to 1986, attracting millions of viewers.

It was initially set in Germany, but in 1986 the gang ventured to Spain and became mixed up with some expatriate villains.

The Germans even blamed its theme of UK brickies and plasterers in search of the good life in Germany for a flood of British builders entering the country.

The comedy was axed after the actors took up other projects, but has been regularly repeated both in the UK and around the world.

Timothy Spall received an OBE for his acting prowess

Some of the actors went on to become huge stars.

Whately, who played softie Neville, is now best known as Sergeant Lewis in Inspector Morse.

Spall - electrician Barry, from Birmingham - has starred in several Mike Leigh films and starred in the Oscar-nominated Secrets and Lies.

Nail - big-mouthed brickie Oz - scored chart hits as a singer and featured in the movie Evita, starring Madonna.

Healy, foreman Dennis, has appeared in a string of big name series, including Heartburn Hotel, Boon and Cracker.

Tragically, Gary Holton, the cheeky Cockney Wayne, died during filming of the last series in 1986 of a drugs overdose.