Near Misses
Over the years Lewis's name has been linked to several different projects, all of which have given his fans hope of seeing him on stage or screen, and these stories continue to the present day. Sadly, most of these projects were never more than rumour, speculation or vague propositions, and many of the more substantive ones either folded or were declined. Here is a list of the known 'near misses' and why they never happened. If you can help with any of the missing information, please contact us.
2013
Production: 1066Premise: In 2010 Lewis was attached to this film, in the pivotal r>
Outcome: Lewis left the project in 2013 due to agency reasons.
2012
Production: Radio InterviewPremise: Lewis was invited to a breakfast show interview on an Irish radio station
Source: Breakfast show D.J.
Outcome: This was declined as Lewis doesn't do any interviews.
2011/2012
Production: The Unforgettable Gordon JacksonPremise: Lewis was invited to reminisce about working with Gordon in this TV tribute
Source: North One productions
Outcome: Lewis declined to take part as he is based in LA and doesn't do this kind of thing.
2011
Production: Who Dares Wins Special Edition DVD & Blu-Ray releasePremise: Lewis was invited to take part in a film commentary for this edition
Source: Arrow Films
Outcome: Lewis declined to take part.
2010
Production: Pirates of the Caribbean: 4Premise: Blackbeard
Source: This rumour arose from a comment in a Johnny Depp discussion forum
Outcome: Lewis's agent confirmed that he has never been approached about this.
2008
Production: Unspecified TV dramaPremise: Unknown r>
Outcome: A script was sent but no reply was ever received. Another actor was eventually cast.
2006
Production: VenusPremise: Unknown
Source: LAMDA Alumni News
Outcome: Unknown
2005/2006
Production: BrooksidePremise: Rumours of a storyline written just for Lew
Source: Various sources
Outcome: Before Lewis could be approached, the show was axed
2005
Production: Monkey TrousersPremise: A guest appearance on the Reeves & Mortimer sketch show
Source: Dave Matthews's site - entry on 20th May, 2005
Outcome: Lisa at Pett Productions confirms this is a completely unfounded rumour.
2004
Production: StarhykePremise: A production insider suggested Lewis for the part of a hologram in this sci-fi comedy
Source: "Alex"
Outcome: It's not known if the part was actually offered to Lewis
Production: Mixed Feelings
Premise: Play about a man who has a sex change
Source: Dave Matthews's site - entry on 21st December, 2003
Outcome: Lewis reportedly pulled out due to "family commitments" The r>
1998
Production: Lock, Stock and Two Smoking BarrelsPremise: Apparently Guy Ritchie mentioned in an interview at the time that he wanted Lewis for the part of Barry the Baptist
Source: Baz Taylor
Outcome: The part went to Lenny McLean
1997
Production: The New ProfessionalsPremise: Bodie now runs CI5
Source: Various sources
Outcome: Negotiations ended and Edward Woodward was cast instead
1995
Production: Film r>Premise: Lewis "is discussing a star film r>
Outcome: Unknown
Production: TV r>
Premise: "A TV show is in the pipeline"
Source: The Sun newspaper "Where Are They Now" article
Outcome: Unknown
1994
Production: The ProfessionalsPremise: Bodie is now Alpha 1
Source: Various newspapers of the time
Outcome: The idea was scrapped at the last moment
Production: The Bill
Premise: R>
Outcome: The part went to Canadian Actor Shaun Scott
1992
Production: Essex Girls - The MusicalPremise: "A fast-moving farce with gags set to music". A proposed stage production with Lewis and Lorraine Chase to be offered the two leads.
Source: The Sun newspaper, 6/2/1992
Outcome: Unknown
1989
Production: The SaintPremise: A new series where Simon Templar is based in New York
Source: Various magazines
Outcome: Lewis "narrowly" missed out on this one
1985
Production: RattlersPremise: A film about snakes, to star veteran American actor Chuck Connors and directed by Alberto de Martino
Source: BFI Film & TV Database
Outcome: Unrealised project to film in the US in 1985
1984
Production: Adventure UnlimitedPremise: A TV film about a pair of journalists who go off on exciting assignments. If successful, a TV series was to follow.
Source: Various newspaper reports
Outcome: Unknown
1983
Production: The SurvivorsPremise: Lewis was reported to be starting work on this in summer 1983. To be filmed in South Africa, playing opposite Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson or Robert Mitchum. "I will be starring as an ex-Vietnamese mercenary" he said
Source: The Sun newspaper, March 1983
Outcome: Unknown
Production: 007
Premise: Lewis was frequently quoted as "the next James Bond" and he was certainly the people's choice for the r>
Outcome: ...Cubby didn't agree
Production: Indian Cavalry drama
Premise: Lewis was to play Wally Hamilton, who won a VC
Source: "TV Week" October 1, 1983
Outcome: Unknown
1982
Production: The Wild Geese IIPremise: Euan Lloyd's follow-up to his 1978 film, The Wild Geese
Source: Various news reports of the time
Outcome: The r><le eventually went to Scott Glenn
Production: Task Force South
Premise: a.k.a. Battle for the South Atlantic. Falklands-based war film, with Euan Lloyd
Source: Various news reports of the time
Outcome: The film was never made as there were too many other plans for the same idea.
Production: Macau
Premise: A Euan Lloyd film based on the novel by Daniel Carey
Source: Various news reports of the time
Outcome: Project became too expensive and had to be abandoned.
Production: Italian film
Premise: Unknown
Source: Sunday People newspaper, 14th November, 1982
Outcome: Lewis was reported to have turned down a "lucrative Italian film offer" to appear in panto (oh, no he didn't!)
1978
Production: Own showPremise: After appearing with Cilla, Lewis was offered his own show
Source: Various magazines of the time
Outcome: Contractual issues with Mark-1
Production: National Theatre
Premise: After achieving television stardom Lewis was approached by the prestigious theatre group
Source: Various magazines of the time
Outcome: Contractual issues with Mark-1
Production: Unknown
Premise: Lewis was offered the film r><le of an outback farmer in Australia
Source: LWT postermag
Outcome: unknown
1977
Production: HamletPremise: A Prospect Theatre Company production with Derek Jacobi in the lead r>
Outcome: Lewis left Prospect to try his luck in television
Production: War Music
Premise: A Prospect Theatre Company production of a musical interpretation of Homer's 'Iliad' with Timothy West
Source: The Stage
Outcome: Lewis left Prospect to try his luck in television