Enfield comedy show ideas stolen

The thieves reportedly demanded £750 to return the laptop

Ideas and material for a new series of Harry Enfield's comedy show with Paul Whitehouse have been stolen from a car.

The thoughts for his Harry & Paul show, to be shown on BBC Two next year, were contained on a laptop computer taken in Notting Hill, west London.

A BBC spokeswoman said the programme would not be affected as filming was not starting for another six months and no scripts had been taken.

Police are investigating the theft but no arrests have been made.

The thieves later phoned Enfield demanding £750 for the return of the computer, which he refused to pay, according to the Mail on Sunday.

The newspaper claimed it was taken last week from his wife Lucy's Mini Clubman, which had been parked outside their home.

Loadsamoney

A BBC spokeswoman said: "Filming doesn't start for another six months. There were only early thoughts on the laptop and not actual scripts, so it won't impact on filming for the series."

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: "We can confirm we are investigating an allegation of theft from a motor vehicle. There have been no arrests and enquiries continue."

Enfield, 48, shot to fame in the 1980s on Saturday Live with two memorable creations - Greek kebab shop owner Stavros and grotesque plasterer, Loadsamoney.

He then worked with Paul Whitehouse on Harry Enfield and Chums and has maintained a close working relationship with his long-term comedy partner.

In 1995 the late comedian Bob Monkhouse had his joke books spanning 25 years stolen, prompting him to offer a £10,000 reward. They were returned 18 months later.

A management consultant who eventually found them was accused of handling stolen goods, but the charge was later dropped.