Rowan Atkinson is joined by his pet dog as he heads out for shopping in London... after former co-star Tony Robinson insisted Blackadder will NOT return for a fifth series
Despite swirling rumours there is no cunning plan to resurrect Blackadder, some thirty years after it ended with the character charging to an almost certain death on a Belgian battlefield.
But Rowan Atkinson, whose titular role as the opportunistic, self-serving schemer defined his career, had more pressing concerns as he stepped out in London on Thursday morning.
The celebrated actor, 64, was joined by his pet dog as he ventured out for some shopping in the capital, weeks after a revival of the hugely popular period comedy was rumoured to be in the works.
Stepping out: Rowan Atkinson was joined by his pet dog as he ventured out for some shopping in London on Thursday morning
Sporting a white Oxford shirt, dark blue jeans and trainers, Atkinson looked relaxed as he guided the dog, a frequent companion during his various public excursions, across the pavement.
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However the British star was without actress girlfriend Louise Ford, who at 33 is 31-years his junior. and their young daughter Isla.
Atkinson's appearance comes after he reportedly told friends he is 'excited' to return to his role as Edmund Blackadder in a rumoured reboot of the cult comedy classic.
Casual: Sporting a white Oxford shirt, dark blue jeans and trainers, Atkinson looked relaxed as he guided the dog, a frequent companion during his various public excursions, across the pavement
The star has previously played Blackadder at various points in human history, including the Middle Ages, the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, the late 18th and early 19th Century and World War I.
But a more contemporary edition of the show, in which Atkinson's Blackadder would return as a university lecturer, was reportedly suggested during a recent meeting between the actor and his former co-stars.
A source told The Sun: 'They were all having a great laugh and they are all old friends. So they just said, "Yes, let's do it". It is being written now. Rowan has been saying he is extremely excited.
Old times: The star has previously played Blackadder at various points in human history, including the reign of Queen Elizabeth I...
... and World War I, which saw Blackadder languishing on a Belgian battlefield
'It will be in the modern day. Blackadder will be a lot older, of course, so they've come up with the ageing university lecturer idea.
'Curtis and Atkinson have discussed guest appearances from stars such as Tom Hardy and Russell Brand.'
But Sir Tony Robinson, who played Blackadder's hapless sidekick Baldrick, has since dismissed rumours of a fifth series.
The 72-year-old - whose character's famous catchphrase was 'I have a cunning plan' - appeared unsure after responding to a fan who asked if the programme is "making a return", and whether he was excited about football club Bristol City potentially signing defender Tomáš Kalas.
Sidekick: Sir Tony Robinson, who played Blackadder's hapless sidekick Baldrick, has dismissed rumours of a fifth series
All-star: The comedy spoof aired from 1983 until 1989 and also starred Patsy Byrne, Stephen Fry, Tim McInnemy and Miranda Richardson
'One of these rumours is probably true, the other isn’t!! (sic)' he replied.
Later that day City signed Czech defender Kalas for an undisclosed club record fee from Chelsea, giving rise to suggestions that a Blackadder revival is in doubt.
When asked about the possibility of the show's return, a spokesman for Tony told Yahoo UK: 'It sounds lovely but I’m afraid neither we nor Tony know anything about this.'
The comedy spoof aired from 1983 until 1989 and also starred comedy giants Hugh Laurie, Stephen Fry, Miranda Richardson, Tim McInnemy, Tom Baker and the late Rik Mayall.
The final scene of the 1989 series set during World War One saw Edmund Blackadder, Baldrick (Robinson), Lieutenant George (Laurie) and Captain Kevin Darling (McInnemy) charge into No Man's Land.
Since that series, there has been a Comic Relief skit, a Christmas special and Blackadder: Back & Forth which was shown at the Millennium Dome in 2000.
