BBC mulls remaking The Great Escape for television

BBC bosses are considering remaking Christmas classic The Great Escape for television.

The original 1963 film, which starred Steve McQueen as 'cooler king' Virgil Hilts, is a staple of the Christmas schedule and has been shown on television countless times since its original release.

The movie, which featured an all-star cast that also included James Garner, Richard Attenborough and Charles Bronson, is based on the true story of how more than 70 prisoners tunnelled their way out of the German Stalag Luft III camp in 1944.

Most of the escapees were recaptured with 50 of them murdered by the Germans.

Plans for the remake are in the early stages and no writer or actors have been chosen for the project.

The 1963 film was based on a book by one of the prisoners and has become a classic - inspiring parodies including the Aardman Animations film Chicken Run.

The memorable theme tune, by composer Elmer Bernstein, has become popular with English football fan

PA