australian television information archive

Kath and Kim on hold for Toorak types Prue and Trude

Stars Gina Riley and Jane Turner could put a new series of the foxy ladies on hold, possibly to devote themselves to Prue and Trude's guide to the world's best hotels.

Riley and Turner are said to be discussing the project with Channel 7, the Herald Sun reports.

Prue and Trude featured in Kath and Kim as plummy voiced, Toorak types who work part-time in the homewares shop at the Fountain Gate shopping centre.

Filming was expected to start on a new series of Kath and Kim in August, but those plans have been delayed after Riley's decision to star in the Melbourne leg of stage show Chicago.

Riley had signed up for Chicago in Brisbane, and half the Sydney shows, but is enjoying her role as Mama Morton so much she wants to stay on and perform in Melbourne. This would take her through to October.

"Kath and Kim went on hold when Gina jumped into Chicago," said husband Rick McKenna.

"Gina will now do the Melbourne season."

McKenna is executive producer for Kath and Kim.

Riley and Turner are to start a new round of creative sessions on TV projects next week. Riley will fly to Melbourne every second week and Turner will go to Sydney on alternate weeks.

It is believed they feel the Prue and Trude travel format would be a fun way to explore how the toffy pair deal with the harsh economic times.

Filming on Kath and Kim will rely on other cast members - including Magda Szubanski, Glenn Robbins and Peter Rowsthorn - all being available at the same time.

McKenna says Channel 7 was the likely network to show whatever project - Prue and Trude or Kath and Kim - the pair decided to make first.

"Seven were fantastic partners on Kath and Kim and we will be talking to them first," McKenna said.

By Colin Vickery and Darren Devlyn
May 20, 2009
Herald Sun