‘Crackerjack’ could bring back former hosts Don Maclean and The Krankies for the upcoming relaunch.
The BBC is set to bring back the iconic kids’ show – which aired from 1955 to 1984 – and presenter Don has revealed bosses have been in touch about a potential return after he appeared alongside the late Peter Glaze in the 1970s.
He told The Sun newspaper’s Bizarre TV column: "It’s in October. I don’t know much about it yet.
"They just contacted my agent and said, ‘Would Don be interested in coming along?’ and we said, ‘Yes’. We’ve not heard anything since but I’m very keen to go."
While the revival will be helmed by current kid’s TV duo Sam Nixon and Mark Rhodes, it’s said producers are keen to bring back the likes of Michael Aspel, Stu Francis and The Krankies – played by married comedy duo Ian and Janette Tough – to bridge the gap after 35 years.
Reflecting on the show’s return, Don said: "I think it’s great. They should never have taken it off.
"’Blue Peter’ is still on and they’ve not messed about with that, and it’s time for ‘Crackerjack’ to return. I’d like it to have elements of the old one, but it’s nothing to do with me."
While the new show will be given a modern makeover, some of the programme’s most famous features will be retained, including the game ‘Double or Drop’ – in which young audience members are chosen to answer questions and go head-to-head to win prizes or a consolation cabbage if they get it wrong – and the ‘Crackerjack’ pencil.
Helen Bullough, Head of Children’s In House Productions, previously said: "We can’t wait to introduce a new set of ‘Crackerjack’ ‘crush-a-grape’ catchphrases to a new generation of fans!
"The format has always been an amazing showcase for talent.
"And that commitment to showcasing talent is always at the heart of our wider production ambitions too, and a common theme across all of these new commissions for In House, across all the age groups we serve and from writers to on screen performers."
‘Crackerjack’ is set to air on CBBC and BBC iPlayer in 2020.
Former Crackerjack hosts Don Maclean and Krankies could return
