The beloved detective drama Dalziel and Pascoe is returning to television screens after nearly two decades, but with a significant twist that may divide audiences.
ITV's forthcoming revival of the cult crime series will allegedly feature two female actresses stepping into the iconic roles previously occupied by male performers.
The casting decision may come as no surprise to viewers as it follows a broader television trend of cult classics from yesteryear being revamped for "contemporary" audiences.
A source told The Sun: "This will be a huge shock for fans of Dalziel and Pascoe - with the two coppers being played by women."
Warren Clarke took on the role of Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel | PAThe gender-swapped approach to classic characters has sparked debate across the entertainment industry in recent years.
The insider added that while a recast was always anticipated, traditional drama enthusiasts would not expect to see women taking on these legendary parts.
"It will certainly raise questions about whether the new reboot will discard the previous iteration altogether or if some bizarre explanation will be offered up on-screen," the source continued.
The creative decision will undoubtedly prove a head-scratcher to devoted viewers of the original programme, with threats of a potential boycott on the horizon.
Colin Buchanan and Warren Clarke played the original Dalziel and Pascoe | GETTYThe source noted that altering the gender of established characters has proven contentious in recent television productions, though the creative team remains hopeful their gamble will prove successful with audiences.
The original series aired on BBC One from 1996 until 2007, spanning 11 series set in the fictional Yorkshire town of Wetherton.
Warren Clarke and Colin Buchanan portrayed the mismatched detective partnership, with their contrasting policing methods creating an endearing on-screen chemistry.
The programme drew its storylines from Reginald Hill's bestselling novels featuring the fictional Yorkshire investigators.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Jodie Whittaker made history as the first female Doctor Who
|PA
Mr Clarke, who played the senior detective, passed away in 2014 after a brief illness.
His co-star, Mr Buchanan, has not appeared on screen since featuring in the 2009 television film Diverted.
The original drama centred on the relationship between a seasoned copper and his by-the-book junior colleague, whose clashing approaches forged an unlikely but effective crime-solving partnership.
The contemporary reimagining is being produced through a partnership between Britbox and ITV, with West Road Pictures handling the production.
ITV is working on the new reboot
| PAColette Kane and Daisy Martey serve as co-creators on the revived series.
Cameras have yet to roll on the six-part drama, with production scheduled to commence this spring. The programme is anticipated to reach audiences before the close of 2026.
ITV's head of comedy Nana Hughes described bringing Mr Hill's cherished characters back as "a genuine privilege," expressing enthusiasm for exploring the dynamic between two contrasting investigators.
Britbox's Jon Farrar emphasised that the series has always thrived on "friction, intellect, and the uneasy bond of opposites, forged in pursuit of truth."