The second series of Noel Fielding’s show about highwayman Dick Turpin has reportedly been axed halfway through filming. Reports from Deadline suggest The Completely Made-Up Adventures of Dick Turpin was cancelled despite filming already taking place.
It reports that the cast and crew was told the show would not continue due to “the illness of a key cast member”. Deadline reported that Great British Bake Off star Noel “didn’t come to work” following the Christmas break.
The Sun suggests that the crew are both confused and angry about the situation. A TV insider told the publication: “They were understandably bewildered and infuriated by the bombshell because the show required millions of pounds, months of planning and hours of work.
Read more Noel Fielding’s tragic loss, feral childhood and health battle so bad he didn’t move for a year
“It now effectively means that they are all out of work and looking for new jobs, but they still haven’t had a full explanation. Naturally, the rumour mill is in overtime as to what has happened with Noel, but it must have been very serious to axe the whole show.
“In most circumstances execs will at least consider pausing filming, but for some reason they decided to throw in the towel before the situation got any worse.”
Noel, 51, had played the title character in the series, earning high praise for his performance. Apple TV+’s press release teases: “Season two promises another round of fantastical adventures for Dick Turpin with a host of great British comedy talent to star.”
The official description states: “In this irreverent retelling set in the 18th century, Turpin is the most famous but least likely of highway robbers, whose success is defined mostly by his charm, showmanship and great hair. ” It continues: “Together with his gang of lovable rogues, Turpin rides the highs and lows of his new endeavors, including a brush with celebrity.”