'Lovejoy' to be rebooted for the 21st century

British comedy-drama Lovejoy looks set to return to television screens 25 years after it last aired.

The BBC series about a roguish antiques dealer (played by Ian McShane) – which was based on the novels author John Grant wrote under the pen name Jonathan Gash - started in 1986.

It was a big hit with viewers but came to an end after its sixth series in 1994.

According to The Bookseller, the rights have now been bought by Nick Witkowski, the director of Blue Sky Pictures, and the show will be given a modern reboot.

Read more: Ian McShane offered Lovejoy return

Witkowski is quoted as saying: "Lovejoy, based on Jonathan Gash's classic character and books, was one of the most successful and popular long running series in British television history.

“We plan to update it for the 21st century for both the millions who followed the original and a whole new generation of viewers."

Earlier this year, the show’s star McShane said the popular series should be resurrected – but said it could be with a “gorgeous blonde” as the lead instead of him.

He suggested that the actress could play the daughter of his lovable character.

The actor, who is now 76, told the Mirror: “Everybody keeps asking me about my thing in Lovejoy and I said if you are going to do Lovejoy, then hire a daughter.”

Read more: Ian McShane on American Gods

“It would be a perfect,” added the star, who now appears in US series American Gods.

“It is a great part for a young actress in England.

“You bring it back, talk about Lovejoy and then in walks this gorgeous blonde and that is the new Lovejoy.”

Witkowski reportedly purchased the rights to the series from agent Lisa Moylett at CMM Literary Agency.

She said author Gash was “absolutely thrilled at the prospect” of the reboot.