IT WAS a comedy classic that amassed a cult following and scooped six Baftas, only to be shelved for two decades. Now, as the BBC finally contemplates Tutti Frutti's return, the original cast members have branded the broadcaster's decision to run it on BBC4 a disgrace.

Described by one cast member as the best series ever made in Scotland, the six-part comedy drama which propelled Robbie Coltrane and Emma Thompson to stardom has been aired just once since it first appeared in 1987.

Scottish writer John Byrne captured a moment in time, charting the fortunes of The Majestics, a Scottish rock band embarking on its silver jubilee tour after the death of lead singer, Big Jazza.

Last month, the BBC suggested it was close to ironing out copyright issues which it claimed had prevented its return, and pencilled in Monday evenings from 10pm on BBC4 as the preferred June slot.

But River City actor Maurice Roeves, who played Majestics guitarist Vincent Diver, called their plans "absolute rubbish". Roeves said: "What's the point of putting it on BBC4 when TV companies are fighting for audiences? Put it on BBC1 and they will get a massive audience. It really does make you wonder what is going on. I try not to think about it because I just get angry and upset.

"I know Channel 4 had wanted to buy it and I just wish Michael Grade had managed. He always said it would be a massive hit on its third showing. It means a lot to folk and they are being cheated."

Stuart McGugan, aka Majestics drummer Bomba MacAteer, believes there should be a monument erected to writer John Byrne. McGugan said: "When the scripts came through my letterbox I took them to bed, and didn't get up until I had read them twice. I was sore because I had been laughing for three hours.

"It is a screaming disgrace they have never been shown again. If they do get them back on, it is clear it will be to encourage people to get Freeview instead of to do the best TV series Scotland has ever made any justice."

However, although BBC4 remains the preferred channel, the June dates have now been scrubbed as problems over music copyright persist.

This latest setback left McGugan far from surprised. He added: "I don't think we will ever see it. The BBC's excuse of the month ran out over a year ago so they started saying they will show it on BBC4 but I think they are lying."

Byrne adapted the series into a stage production which recorded a sell-out tour last year and comes to Glasgow this month. The Paisley-born playwright and painter sought an embargo preventing the BBC from any repeat broadcasts until the tour had reached Glasgow, in the event that the broadcaster tried to cash in on its success.

With no television set at home, Byrne will not see any repeats, should they ever materialise, but isn't too concerned as every minute of footage is emblazoned on his mind. He said: "I will be very happy if it is back on but I will believe it when I see it. I won't be surprised if it doesn't happen given all the dilly dallying. Perhaps someone else could take it off the BBC if they don't want to do it."

Claire Bowers, head of communications at BBC4, said although the channel couldn't confirm the June dates, it was keen to see Tutti Frutti back on TV and stressed that BBC4 - with 70% of the UK population now able to access digital television - was the perfect channel.

She said: "We absolutely do want to show Tutti Frutti on BBC4. BBC4 is a good channel to show international dramas and archive pieces. Believe me, it is not for the want of trying."