Independently made by director David Wickes own production company, the series failed to sell to a mainstream terrestrial broadcaster in the UK, although it did sell to some European broadcasters. The lack of interest from the UK meant that financially the series was not going to be as lucrative as the producer hoped for. With only thirteen episodes made the series did not have enough stories to sell in syndication to US TV stations either so the series was cancelled.
Sidney hayers, Christopher King, David Wickes and Ray Austin directed episodes of both this series and the original The Professionals (1977) series on which it is based on.
Originally offered to ITV who first aired the Professionals in the seventies, but turned down by them. It was broadcast by Sky TV instead in the UK.
Lewis Collins was in talks with the producers for an unnamed role in this show (probably the part that ultimately went to Edward Woodward). However for unknown reasons the talks fell through and he ultimately had no part in this short lived series.
The surname Backus, although it sounds exotic originates in north west England and is a corruption of "Backhouse". Ms Backus is nicknamed Backup for her tech role.
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Top Gap
By what name was CI5: The New Professionals (1998) officially released in India in English?
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