Comedian PJ Gallagher to bring back iconic Naked Camera character
It marks two decades since Gallagher first introduced the whistling Jake Stevens, who later received his own spin-off series and released a Christmas single, to viewers.
The character will return for a one-time-only appearance next week before Gallagher said he is 'gone forever'.
Speaking on Radio Nova's Morning Glory with PJ and Jim this morning, Gallagher told his co-host Jim McCabe that "it's fair to say it's dated a bit' as they reacted to the character, whose signature outfit was a shiny suit, gold glasses and a newspaper.
"How can you allow such a significant thing as the 20-year anniversary of Naked Camera – and specifically the great Jake Stevens… it's not like I'm asking that we re-contact the Dirty Aul One, because I certainty don't want that,' said McCabe.
He ruled that 'we don't need her' as Gallagher got into the character of an old woman, one of many who would surprise unsuspecting members of the public – and sometimes celebrities – in the hidden camera show.
"It's a one-off deal, we'll contact (Jake Stevens), we'll just say, 'Look it, would you just acknowledge the 20th anniversary of Naked Camera,' added McCabe.
"We'll do it once, we'll do it once, we'll get it over and done with but you're never allowed to bring it up again,' said Gallagher.
"We'll never do it again. We'll get Jake Stevens back for one time and that's the end of it. Get him in, get him out and then he's gone forever.'
Gallagher will bring the iconic character Jake Stevens back on air from 9am next Monday, April 28 on Radio Nova's Morning Glory with PJ and Jim, which airs from 6am until 10am on weekdays.
The hit hidden camera show Naked Camera first aired on RTÉ in 2005, with infamous character Jake Stevens later starring in a spin-off, Makin' Jake, that saw him travel across the US.
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