THE Likely Lads, set in Newcastle, was a phenomenal success at its peak, attracting about 27 million viewers in the 1960s and spawning an even better follow-up.

Makers of A Tribute to the Likely Lads, starring Pop Idol hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, are hoping the remake will be just as big a hit.

The characters of Terry Collier and Bob Ferris were originally brought to life by James Bolam and Rodney Bewes in 1964.

For the tribute, Ant will step into Terry's chauvinistic Jack-the-lad shoes, while Dec becomes his more sensible, gullible drinking partner Bob.

The programme, to be broadcast on ITV1, will be a remake of a classic episode from Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads, the 1973 masterpiece No Hiding Place.

In the episode, Bob and Terry spend the day avoiding hearing the result of the England versus Bulgaria football match, despite the best efforts of their friend Flint.

Jill Franklin, of makers Ginger TV, said the script would follow the original, but be brought up to date with additional material.

She said: "It's a contemporary remake. For example, you won't hear anything about Malcolm MacDonald, but you, might hear about Alan Shearer."

In an effort to retain a link to the original, Rodney Bewes, now 64, will appear in a surprise cameo role.

He said: "It's terrific, a very clever idea. My appearance is a bit tongue in cheek and the thought of it amuses me."

The broadcast date is also being kept a closely-guarded secret, but the programme will be going into production in the next month and locations in Newcastle are being sought.

Ginger TV is still casting the part of Terry's sister, Audrey, and producers are hoping to attract a high-profile name for the role of Flint, played so memorably in the original by the late Brian Glover.

Ant and Dec, who shot to fame as PJ and Duncan in the TV series Byker Grove, say they are big fans of the original series and jumped at the chance to star in the remake.

Dec said: "It's all a bit of a dream come true. The episode we are remaking is one of our personal favourites."

If the episode is well received, Ginger TV says it would like to make another episode, and perhaps even a complete series