How and why did Martin stop repeats?
Contractual stipulations on the show decreed that up to five years after it finished its primary run (ie the fifth season in 1983), LWT could repeat the show (they did: in 1984 and 1987) and the actors and crew would receive a fixed repeat fee each time. After five years LWT were required to renegotiate repeat fees with cast and crew. Martin was apparently dissatisfied with LWTs offer and refused to sign the required paperwork which would have allowed further reruns. LWT tried to pressure Martin into signing, the issue eventually ending up in the law courts in April 1988. Martin claims that Lewis and Gordon were also unhappy with the offer but were not prepared to say so publically. Lewis has neither confirmed or denied this, though in recent TV interviews made it quite clear he was not happy about Martin’s actions.
