Germans buy wartime sitcom

German TV audiences are to see 'Allo 'Allo for the first time, after the BBC sold all 83 episodes to a satellite broadcaster.

But the comedy accents that characterised the wartime sitcom could be lost in translation as the whole show will be dubbed into German.

BBC Worldwide struck the unlikely deal with broadcaster ProSiebenSat1 for all eight series, despite jokes mocking the Gestapo and the occupying Nazi forces in France.

A BBC spokeswoman said: ‘Both BBC Worldwide and ProSiebenSat1 are very happy about the deal. 'Allo 'Allo is a high quality programme which had not been picked up in Germany until now due to the subject matter.’

Isabelle Helle, head of German-speaking territories at BBC Worldwide added: ‘'Allo 'Allo is one of the most successful BBC comedies ever made and is already loved in more than 50 countries. We're really excited that ProSiebenSat1 has decided to take all series.’

The show ran on BBC One from 1982 to 1991

Published: 10 Mar 2008