 Franc Roddam (qv) decided to revive the programme after seeing  Tim Healy (II) (qv), Kevin Whately (qv) and Jimmy Nail (qv)  performing "Auf Wiedersehen Pet" sketches (written by  Ian La Frenais (qv) and Dick Clement (qv)) on stage in 2000 as  part of a charity concert in Newcastle being held as a tribute to  Sammy Johnson (qv) ("Stick" in _"Spender" (1991)_ (qv)).  Allan McKeown (I) (qv), executive producer of the two 1980s  series, was vigorously opposed to the plans and urged La Frenais and  Clement to have nothing to do with the project or, failing that, at  least to avoid using the title "Auf Wiedersehen Pet". However the  revived series went ahead. As a result, McKeown and La Frenais have  not spoken since, despite previously being close friends (La Frenais  had been Best Man at McKeowns wedding).