Reclusive comedian Ronnie Barker is to star in a TV film about Winston Churchill - despite vowing two years ago that his television career was over.
Mr Barker, 72, came briefly out of retirement in 1999 to join Ronnie Corbett in a tribute night - but vowed then that his days in the limelight were finished.
However, the opportunity to star in a TV movie about Winston Churchill, to be screened next year, has tempted the notoriously shy comedian, actor and writer to step back in front of the cameras.
Mr Barker starred in many popular programmes including The Two Ronnies - which ran for 22 years - Porridge and Open All Hours, before retiring, at the height of his career, 13 years ago.
He and his wife Joy opened an antique shop, the Emporium, in the centre of Chipping Norton, close to their home in the hamlet of Dean. He sold the shop two years ago after admitting it was losing money.
He will take the part of Churchill's manservant Inches in a big-budget BBC film called The Lonely War. Churchill will be played by Albert Finney and other roles will be taken by Vanessa Redgrave, Derek Jacobi and Jim Broadbent.
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