7fe92f690a4fee8730f70642b9de00fdb0f99619

In 1997, BBC viewers tuned in to watch actor Alan Davies take on the role of eccentric protagonist Jonathan Creek. The mystery crime series followed Jonathan, a creative consultant for a famous magician, who used his vast wealth of unique knowledge to solve seemingly impossible conundrums and intricate murders.

However, his expertise is only uncovered after a run-in with investigative journalist Maddy Magellan (Caroline Quentin). She was the person who discovered his unique gift at puzzle-solving and swiftly recruited him to use his expert knowledge of trickery and misdirection to crack a seemingly impossible murder alibi.

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Alongside Alan and Caroline, the BBC series has also starred the likes of Julia Sawalha, Stuart Milligan, Sheridan Smith and Adrian Edmondson over the years, reports the Mirror.

The series, which was written by David Renwick, first aired in 1997 and ran for four series before coming to an end in 2004.

However, it was revived for two specials shortly after, with one airing in 2009 and the other the following year.

In 2014, BBC viewers were thrilled when a fifth instalment aired three episodes, before a final feature-length Christmas special in December 2016.

Actor Alan Davies shared his eagerness to return to the programme in the past, revealing three years ago he'd be keen to reprise his role as Jonathan Creek.

In an interview with Radio Times, he confessed that if David were to write another script, he'd do it 'like a shot', praising the show for changing his life.

However, the series almost looked very different as creator David Renwick shared that actors Hugh Bonneville and Hugh Laurie were also contenders for playing Jonathan Creek.

Since the series made its debut all those years ago, it has garnered widespread acclaim, with many hailing it as 'one of the best' BBC programmes ever made.

Online, one person compared Creek to a 'modern Sherlock Holmes', praising his ability to slowly piece together clues which lead to a grand reveal.

Someone praised: "The Way Murder Mysteries Should Be. This series is one of the most engaging, intelligent, and amusing murder-mystery shows that I have seen on TV. I wish there were more series like this one that combines intelligent writing with humour."

Another wrote: "An excellent British comedy drama. Jonathan Creek is an excellent British Television series - all about mystery and the whys and hows. It was written by the great David Renwick, who wrote One Foot in the Grave, and like that, he manages to make unlikely scenarios very believable!

As one said: "Absolutely Brilliant. Barring two or three sitcoms, it is the best show ever made in the UK.