Category: TV Drama; Scotland
Date: 24.03.2005
Printable version
Monarch of the Glen favourites Richard Briers, Julian
Fellowes and Hamish Clark are to make special
guest appearances in the seventh, and final, series of the Highland
feelgood show.
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The familiar faces from Glenbogle's past will return to the internationally acclaimed drama and Richard Briers' role as eccentric Hector MacDonald is particularly poignant as his character sensationally comes back from the dead.
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The acclaimed actor is delighted to be returning to Glenbogle: "When I heard Monarch was coming to an end I knew I couldn't miss out on bidding a fond farewell to the series.
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"I have so many lovely memories of my time in Scotland, and it will be wonderful to be reunited with familiar faces from the cast as well as some new ones."
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Richard (Dad, The Good Life) will reprise his famous Monarch role, making a ghostly reappearance during the final run.
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His memorable departure from the series came in 2002 after his on screen character, Hector, bungled an attempt to blow a killer pike out of the loch using a remote controlled boat and explosives.
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Although producers won't reveal exactly how Hector will reappear Executive Producer, Gaynor Holmes, makes devoted fans some assurances: "Loyal fans needn't worry, Hector won't be coming back to Glenbogle in a Bobby Ewing style, stepping out of the shower," she jokes.
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As well as Richard's return, the final series welcomes back Julian Fellowes (Pie In The Sky, Covington Cross) as aristocrat Kilwillie and Hamish Clark (My Wonderul Life, Bring Me The Head Of Mavis Davis) in the role of loveable ghillie, Duncan.
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Julian originally departed Monarch during series five in 2003 when Kilwillie left the peace and tranquillity of Glenbogle behind to set up a restaurant business in the hustle and bustle of New York.
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Esteemed actor Julian has enjoyed a varied career including television, film and theatre productions.
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He was awarded the Best Screenplay Oscar in 2002 for Gosford Park, a project which he penned in a B&B in Kingussie whilst filming Monarch.
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Last year, Hamish Clark left Monarch when his character, Duncan, went off to pursue a career as a DJ in hospital radio.
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One of the most popular characters from the series, Duncan is lovingly refered to as 'the kilted one' by Monarch devotees the world over.
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Never one to face confrontation, Duncan slipped away from Glenbogle without telling his girlfriend Jess (played by Rae Hendrie) that he was leaving - just how will she react to his return?
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Gaynor Holmes adds: "This is a fantastic opportunity to reunite some of the original Monarch family for the grand finale to the series.
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"We're planning to bring some of the show's best loved storylines to a close, featuring some familiar faces from the past alongside existing cast members.
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"And in true Monarch style, happy endings are guaranteed."
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It is broadcast in more than 30 countries worldwide including the United States, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Dubai.
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Richard, Julian and Hamish will return to TV screens alongside Monarch of the Glen's principle cast members Lloyd Owen, Susan Hampshire, Tom Baker, Alexander Morton, Martin Compston and Rae Hendrie who return to their Highland homes in Glenbogle to film the six-part final series next month (April) through until August in Kinloch Laggan, Invernesshire, Scotland.
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Rob Bullock (Passion Killers, Holding The Baby, My Wonderful Life) will produce the final series with David Caffrey (Grand Theft Parsons, On The Nose) and Edward Bennett (Murder In Suburbia, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Waking The Dead) directing (epiodes 1-3 and 4-6 respectively).
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Gaynor Holmes (91Èȱ¬ Scotland), Douglas Rae and Robert Bernstein (Ecosse Films) are the Executive Producers for series seven.
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Monarch of the Glen is an Ecosse Films Production for 91Èȱ¬ Scotland.
