Product Description VILA RETURNS Michael Keating to reprise Cult TV role for Audio. 30 years since the dramatic and shocking finale of the original series, Michael Keating reprises his most famous role as the cowardly thief, Vila. Earth. 2230 AD. A time of social and political turmoil... Olag Gan wants to marry the woman of his dreams. Vila Restal wants to steal anything that isn t nailed down. When they form a partnership, a perfect combination of strength and skill, it seems that nothing stands between them and the easy life. But fate hates to give a sucker an even break and the course of true love never did run smooth. Following the success of last years audio re-imagining of BLAKE S 7 (broadcast on BBC7 over Christmas) and thirty years since the dramatic and shocking finale of the original series, MICHAEL KEATING (Blake s 7, EastEnders) will reprise his most popular role as the cowardly thief, Vila Restal, the only character to appear in all 52 episodes of the original series. The new audio incarnation of Olag Gan played by OWEN AARONOVITCH (Coronation Street) also stars. BLAKE S 7 THE EARLY YEARS will be a prequel series of stories exploring the origins of key BLAKE S 7 characters prior to them meeting rebel leader, Roj Blake. The first of these prequel stories When Vila met Gan has been written by lead writer, Ben Aaronovitch ( Classic Doctor Who, Jupiter Moon) and explores the history and enduring friendship between Gan and Vila, two of the most unlikely rebels to take up arms against the Federation. Future episodes will feature the characters of Avon (written by Ben Aaronovitch), Jenna (written by Simon Guerrier), Travis (written by James Swallow), Cally (written by Marc Platt) and of course the series wouldn t be complete without a story exploring the origins of the rebel s arch nemesis Supreme Commander Servalan who we meet as a young, ambitious, cadet officer with family connections . About the Author Michael Keating says of his return to the role of Vila. It's exciting to return to the character of Vila especially in this format and to discover the origins of his friendship with Gan. Audio Director, Andrew Mark Sewell comments. Vila was one of the most popular characters of the original series and we re absolutely delighted to welcome Michael back to a role that contributed in no small part to the show s enduring popularity. Sewell adds. From the moment Michael Keating uttered his first lines it was as if we d been teleported back thirty years that s the beauty of audio and of course the energy and enthusiasm which Michael brings to the role. - Brand new and sealed !!