First pictures of new Frank Spencer sketch

These are the first pictures of Michael Crawford and Michele Dotrice as Frank Spencer and his wife Betty in almost 40 years.

The classic comedy character is being revived for a Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em sketch to go out as part of the Sport Relief telethon next week.

As previously announced, Crawford's hapless character will encounter cyclist Sir Bradley Wiggins – while these new BBC images also show that motor racing ace Jenson Button will be appearing.

Wiggins said: 'I'm a huge fan of Michael so it's an absolute honour to be involved alongside such an icon of British television.'

The last original episode of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em aired on Christmas Day in 1978, before Crawford moved on to an illustrious career in musical theatre.

He said he was 'thrilled and delighted to have been asked to bring Frank back' – though at 74 it's unlikely his mishaps will be quite so acrobatic as the original series.

The original series

The sketch will be shown exclusively during the Sport Relief Night next Friday, March 18, on BBC One.

Published: 8 Mar 2016