The Professionals star Lewis Collins dead at 67.

Yes he was very much underrated as an actor and certainly one of the best tough guys on TV. 'The Profresssional was probably one the best British cop shows on TV after 'The Sweeney'.

(28-11-2013 18:00 )tuesdayslump Wrote:  He's up there with Gordon Jackson now.

When the repeat fees for "The Professionals" came up for renegtiation several years ago, Martin Shaw is alleged to have made some ridiculous demands. At the time, Gordon Jackson's widow wasn't exactly loaded with cash and Lewis Collins ripped into Shaw in an interview. Shaw backed down and the series was repeated.

Grew up watching The Professionals and The Sweeney, I even have the DVD box sets, great viewing and iconic "cop shows" which are still better than the modern stuff. "Bodie" was a great character. R.I.P

(28-11-2013 20:48 )Tumble_Drier Wrote:  Gordon Jackson's widow wasn't exactly loaded with cash and Lewis Collins ripped into Shaw in an interview. Shaw backed down and the series was repeated.

Well done, that man.

(28-11-2013 20:48 )Tumble_Drier Wrote:  When the repeat fees for "The Professionals" came up for renegtiation several years ago, Martin Shaw is alleged to have made some ridiculous demands. At the time, Gordon Jackson's widow wasn't exactly loaded with cash and Lewis Collins ripped into Shaw in an interview. Shaw backed down and the series was repeated.

I think this version of events is incorrect? As far as I know the dispute was with LWT and in fact Shaw never did back down and LWT never did rescreen the show. Shaw stuck to his guns but did later agree deals for satellite TV (it has been shown a lot on the Granada Plus channel) and for video release. Shaw's version of events is that it was nothing to do with ridiculous demands on his part and all to do with LWT making a derisory offer. It's been alleged that he just didn't like the show and didn't think repeating it was good for his career, but he insists the dispute was purely financial.

Another sad loss. Many people's favourite choice to play James Bond. Never got that chance but I think he would have made a good one. RIP Lewis Collins.

(01-12-2013 12:38 )Regenerated Wrote:  Many people's favourite choice to play James Bond. Never got that chance

He did get an audition for it.

(01-12-2013 12:48 )elgar1uk Wrote:  

(01-12-2013 12:38 )Regenerated Wrote:  Many people's favourite choice to play James Bond. Never got that chance

He did get an audition for it.

Ok, I wasn't aware of that. Still a shame he didn't get the part.

Cubby apparently thought he was too aggressive. Collins later went on to say that he lost the part in the first few seconds of that audition, because they were looking for another Connery.

I honestly think Collins could have done it though, as he had the looks, the charm and the physical abilities required. He also had a demeanour, like Connery, that made you believe he could kill someone.

Christ, if Russell Crowe can play a Nobel Prize winning professor...

Shame

Thank you very much for my nomination in
Best Cap or Cap Set Of The Year 2013
for Dannii Harwood Posts 781 & 782

(29-11-2013 13:47 )trevor format Wrote:  

(28-11-2013 20:48 )Tumble_Drier Wrote:  When the repeat fees for "The Professionals" came up for renegtiation several years ago, Martin Shaw is alleged to have made some ridiculous demands. At the time, Gordon Jackson's widow wasn't exactly loaded with cash and Lewis Collins ripped into Shaw in an interview. Shaw backed down and the series was repeated.

I think this version of events is incorrect? As far as I know the dispute was with LWT and in fact Shaw never did back down and LWT never did rescreen the show. Shaw stuck to his guns but did later agree deals for satellite TV (it has been shown a lot on the Granada Plus channel) and for video release. Shaw's version of events is that it was nothing to do with ridiculous demands on his part and all to do with LWT making a derisory offer. It's been alleged that he just didn't like the show and didn't think repeating it was good for his career, but he insists the dispute was purely financial.

I was posting from memory so I may or may not be correct. Either way the fact that Gordon Jackson's widow needed the money remains and Shaw's attitude wasn't helping. I definitely remember Lewis Collins having a go at him in the Press too.