WE’RE used to seeing him serve up cakes on the Great British Bake Off, but now Noel Fielding’s about to stand and deliver as highwayman Dick Turpin.
The flamboyant co-star of the Channel 4 cookery contest is to play the lead role in a new adaptation of the true story of the 18th century star for Apple TV+.
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He will bring his own version of the legendary robber, combining his traditional tricorn hat and guns with Noel’s trademark bodysuits, make up and jewellery.
A TV insider said: “This is the role which he was born to play, combining old school flair with some very off-the-wall traits which he’ll bring to the part.
“Dick became a very early version of a celebrity in the early 1700s through holding up coaches – yet despite being a criminal he also developed a sexy appeal all of his own.
“That’s something which Noel is going to play on in his interpretation – and this is a very irreverent retelling of the story.”
The last TV adaptation of Dick Turpin was 40 years ago when Man About the House star Richard O’Sullivan played him in an ITV drama.
The legendary figure was notorious in the 1720s and 1730s for riding on top of his horse, Black Bess, and terrorising passengers on carriages using the London to York road.
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He was hanged for his crimes in 1739, but subsequent writings, films and TV shows have turned him into an anti-hero – perhaps the greatest was Adam Ant’s video for his 1981 hit single, Stand and Deliver.
Though he was famous for his ostentatiousness on The Mighty Boosh comedy show, Noel has toned down his image a little to appear alongside co-host Matt Lucas on Bake Off.
Bet he can’t wait to play dressy-up again.
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