Former Doctor Who Christopher Eccleston has been "linked" with the lead role in a remake of The Prisoner, the BBC reports.

Sky One is planning a six-part "thrilling reinvention" of the 1969 cult classic, as director of programmes Richard Woolfe breathlessly put it, adding: "If Doctor Who set the standard, The Prisoner raises the bar."

If Eccleston does indeed step into Patrick McGoohan's Number 6 shoes, he will have his work cut out matching the success of the original 17 episodes. Accordingly, Sky One is rolling out the big guns to ensure the programme will capture the imagination of a new generation of viewers. As commissioning editor Elaine Pyke explained: "This project has been subject to an unprecedented level of attention, attracting an array of A-list actors and writers."

Quite which A-list thespos might join Eccleston in The Village is not noted, but the BBC says Clocking Off writer Bill Gallagher is responsible for the script. ®

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