BT seeks star for ads as Connolly pulls out

BT is searching for a suitable celebrity to front its advertising as Scottish comedian Billy Connolly has been forced to pull out due to other commitments.

Connolly was signed up in February (MW February 16) for a reported fee of 1m and was due to take over from Bob Hoskins next year.

However, a statement from BT’s advertising manager Sholto Douglas-Home says: “Following discussions, Billy Connolly will not now feature in BT’s 1997 ‘It’s good to talk’ campaign. Both parties concluded that the number of television, film and other professional commitments planned for Connolly in the foreseeable future would prevent him from devoting the time needed to do justice to BT’s campaign.”

However, BT says it hopes to work with Connolly in the future.

Hoskins’ contract with BT ends this year.

BT’s advertising agency Abbott Mead Vickers.BBDO will not discuss his replacement for next year but will continue with a celebrity-led campaign.