CI5: The New Professionals based on Clemens' original intentions. Clemens intended for the original series to be an "ensemble" group, not just focusing on the three main characters. The new show was intended to return to this intended ideal, with the new 4.5 (originally Doyle) and 3.7 (Bodie) as part of a team effort. Of the original series' stars, Gordon Jackson died in 1990 and allegedly, though not verified, Wickes "never even thought" of approaching Martin Shaw. Since some of the co-financing for the show was derived from his association with American TV networks, he did, however, approach Lewis Collins to see if he
Jack the Ripper (1988 TV series) to play a serial killer who mutilates women). The casting of Michael Caine was considered to be a major coup, as the actor was not known for doing television work. "Jack the Ripper" reportedly earned Caine a fee of $1 million. In the original version of the series, Abberline's partner George Godley was to have been played by Brian Capron. He was replaced by Lewis Collins (best known as Bodie in the ITV action series "The Professionals"). American actor Armand Assante and British actress Jane Seymour, both well known to American audiences, were added to the cast at the suggestion