Tell ’er indoors it should be a nice little earner. Minder, the classic series that turned Arthur Daley into an 1980s icon, is being revived.

Millions tuned in to the adventures of the wheeler-dealer and his long-suffering “minder”, played by George Cole and Dennis Waterman.

With his camel-hair coat, money-making schemes and dodgy motors, “Arfur” Daley embodied the Thatcherite entreprenurial spirit. His catch-phrases became common parlance.

The chemistry between Cole and Waterman, who played Terry McCann, the “muscle” who extricated Daley from trouble, produced an on-screen double act that lasted ten years.

The ITV show continued with George Cole alone until 1994, and his role will go to Shane Richie, who played the publican Alfie Moon in EastEnders. Although no decision has been made on the “minder” role, the producers may ask Dennis Waterman, 59, to play some part in the new show.

In a spot of wheeler-dealing of which Daley might approve, Minder is being revived by Five, which is seeking a home-grown drama hit, according to the magazine Broadcast.

“Scripts are in development with a view to a series being commissioned later in the year,” said a Five spokesman. It could be ready this autumn.

Cole, 81, has said previously that a revived show reuniting him with Waterman should not be attempted. He said: “I think it’s had its day now and I don’t think it would work.”

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