Monty Python nearly axed, says Terry Jones

27/08/2010

Monty Python's Flying Circus was nearly dumped by the BBC after bosses were not impressed with its first series, according to writer and star Terry Jones.

The actor revealed the programme - which launched his career as well as those of John Cleese, Michael Palin, Graham Chapman, Eric Idle and Terry Gilliam - was only saved when a Spanish TV agent inquired about buying screening rights.

Jones claimed the writers of the renowned series were never sure whether they would get another season, with bosses bombarding them with "nonsense terms and conditions".

"They didn't believe we could make them any money, so they wanted to get rid of us at the very beginning," he added.

According to Jones, the powers-that-be tried to discourage the Spanish agent from seeing the programme in the first place.

The cast also made three feature films, including Monty Python and the Holy Grail - which spawned the award-winning musical Spamalot.

Fans of the series can pick up one of the funny T-shirts dedicated to it available at 8ball.co.uk.

Posted by Nick Menzies