The BBC’s iconic 1980s detective drama Lovejoy, which starred Ian McShane and Chris Jury, is getting a modern reboot from the creatives behind Slow Horses – and we can’t wait for this one to air.

Inspired by the books written by Jonathan Gash (whose real name was John Grant), the original series ran for six series between 1986 and 1994. It is now being reimagined by See-Saw Films, the production company behind Slow Horses, The King’s Speech and The Power of the Dog.

Ian McShane, Caroline Langrishe, Diane Parish and Dudley Sutton starred in the 80s series© Alamy Stock Photo
Ian McShane, Caroline Langrishe, Diane Parish and Dudley Sutton starred in the 80s series

While casting and streamer details are being kept under wraps, a report by Variety confirmed there will be a “contemporary reimagining” of the series, which saw a “roguish” yet loveable antiques dealer exercise his uncanny ability to determine fakes and forgeries from the real deal.

This marks yet another reboot of a classic detective series, alongside ITV’s upcoming revamp of Dalziel and Pascoe, which sees Kerry Godliman (Trigger Point) and Nina Singh (Art Detectives) step into the shoes of original actors Colin Buchanan and Warren Clarke. Intrigued? Keep reading for more details on Lovejoy…

What is Lovejoy about?

While details of the new adaptation are being kept tightly under wraps for now, viewers can assume it will follow a similar premise to the original series.

Running for six series and concluding in 1994, Lovejoy followed the East Anglian antiques dealer as he used his expert eye to separate priceless finds from clever forgeries. The show was also known for breaking the fourth wall, with Lovejoy frequently sharing the tricks of his trade directly with viewers at home.

The synopsis for the first episode of season one reads: “Determined to uncover the secret of the island across the lagoon, Lovejoy risks his neck and finds the ancient city offers as many surprises as it has canals.”

Ian McShane played the antiques dealer Lovejoy© Alamy Stock Photo
Ian McShane played the antiques dealer Lovejoy

Who stars in Lovejoy?

While viewers eagerly await to see who will step into the shoes of the iconic Lovejoy, the original series starred Ian McShane as the eponymous character.

He was joined by Chris Jury as Eric Catchpole, Dudley Sutton as Tinker Dill and Phyllis Logan as Lady Jane Felsham.

Malcolm Tierney, Caroline Langrishe, Diane Parish, Ian McShane and Dudley Sutton© PA Images via Getty Images
Malcolm Tierney, Caroline Langrishe, Diane Parish, Ian McShane and Dudley Sutton

Rounding out the cast were Malcolm Tierney as Charlie Gimbert, Diane Parish as Beth Taylor and Caroline Langrishe as Charlotte Cavendish.

What have viewers said about Lovejoy?

The series proved a hit with BBC viewers when it first aired, and many fans have since taken the opportunity to binge-watch it again.

“This TV series brings back fond memories of the late 80s and early 90s,” wrote one viewer on IMDb. “If you haven’t seen it yet and get a chance to see it, do so – it’ll leave you with a feelgood factor you won’t forget.”

Phyllis Logan played Jane Felsham© TV Times/Future Publishing via G
Phyllis Logan played Jane Felsham

A second viewer penned: “The combination of British archetypes, ironically tinged nostalgia about the old world and jolly adventuring makes for a perfect British fantasy world.”

Meanwhile, a third added: “Ian McShane stars as an antiques dealer who solves problems, crimes and assists all kinds of people, as he is able. Lovejoy does all of that while being as cheeky as he can be. The writing is impeccable, the actors deliver superb performances and the production values are top shelf. To watch Lovejoy is to be entertained in exquisite fashion.”

All six series of the original Lovejoy series can be found on streaming service U.