GEORDIE comedy Auf Wiedersehen Pet has reached the end of the line, according to one of its stars.

Kevin Whately, who plays Neville in the show, said the new series will be the last.

He said it was becoming increasingly difficult for the actors, including Tim Healy and Jimmy Nail, to find time together to make the show.

He said, however, there could be one-off Christmas specials in the future.

The programme was brought back last year after a 15-year break, and proved as popular as ever with fans.

Kevin's comments on the show's future were made as it was reported that another of its stars, Pat Roach, who plays Bomber, is battling cancer.

Mr Roach, who was one of the original stars of the show, which was first aired in 1983, can be seen in the latest series, which was filmed in the Dominican Republic.

The series is broadcast on BBC1 at 9pm on Sundays.

Published: 12/01/2004