Friar Tuck may get 'Robin Hood' reprieve

LONDON, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Although he was left out of a recent British TV incarnation of "Robin Hood," the character of Friar Tuck may appear in a subsequent installment.

British critics panned the idea of inserting the rotund character in the earlier version of the TV series, but the Daily Mail said BBC1 Controller Peter Fincham is eyeing actor Matt Lucas to play the role in the network's current "Robin Hood" rendition.

"The series wants to evolve and he is a great character," Fincham said of the proposed cast addition. "If Matt Lucas said he'd play him I would be very happy. I did mention it to Matt and he said he would love to do that."

Fincham said he has yet to offer the "Little Britain" star the role of the iconic criminal's sidekick.

The current version of the popular tale stars Jonas Armstrong as Robin and "Viva Blackpool" star Keith Allen as the malevolent Sheriff of Nottingham.