Shane Richie's Minder row

Friday 30th January 2009 - 13:00:10

Shane Richie argued with Dennis Waterman over the 'Minder Remake'.

The former 'EastEnders' star appears in an updated version of the hit 80s show, much to the displeasure of its original star, who blasted Shane about it.

Shane explained: "I guest-starred in a yet-to-be-seen episode of 'New Tricks', which Dennis stars in, after we had filmed 'Minder'.

We go outside and he says, 'Stop f***king around, how did 'Minder' go?' So I told him all about it and afterwards he told me what he thought about me doing a new version - in no uncertain terms

"I'd made up my mind not to talk about it on set but the signature tune came up. Dennis and I were sitting there having a cup of tea and, one by one, the crew around us started singing the 'Minder' signature tune, 'I Could Be So Good For You'.

"When I joined in, Dennis snapped, 'Right outside now'. We go outside and he says, 'Stop f***king around, how did 'Minder' go?' So I told him all about it and afterwards he told me what he thought about me doing a new version - in no uncertain terms."

Despite Dennis' concerns, Shane insists the new programme is not a straight remake of the much-loved series.

He added to Britain's Daily Mail newspaper: "This new version is a reinvention of the original, not a recreation. And it's a lot pacier than the original show, TV has changed - it's more demanding now.

"Back then, there were only three channels so there was less pressure to grab the audience but our version shows TV has moved on."'Minder' airs on Five at 8pm on Wednesdays from February 4.