Billy Connolly poised to take star role in BT push

BT is on the verge of signing up Scottish comedian Billy Connolly to star in its TV advertising campaign. But BT claims he will not be replacing Bob Hoskins.

BT’s advertising manager Sholto Douglas-Home says: “We are looking at introducing other ‘guides’ alongside Bob Hoskins but he is not being replaced.”

Connolly is believed to be negotiating a contract, although Douglas-Home dismisses as “preposterous” speculation that his fee could be 3m over three years. BT is believed to work on an annual rolling-fee basis with Hoskins.

However, other companies are known to be trying to secure Connolly now his contract with low alcohol lager brand Kaliber has ended.

BT is hoping to air the Connolly campaign in late spring. If the deal goes ahead, Connolly will appear solo in the ads.

As well as Connolly, BT’s advertising agency Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO is thought to be considering two other celebrities, including a woman, to pass on BT’s message that “It’s good to talk”.

AMV.BBDO’s chairman and chief executive Michael Baulk says: “We are very pleased indeed with the results generated by Bob Hoskins and that is the basis for a very strong long-term campaign for BT.”