THE original cast of smash hit '80s TV series Fame are getting back together again for a special show in aid of Claire House.

The Fame UK reunion - at Birmingham Town Hall on September 8, 9 and 10 - will feature songs from the American series, along with new and original material.

June 17 marks the 40th anniversary of the very first episode of the series on UK television.

The reunion is initiated and produced by fans as a charity event to benefit Claire House.

On Thursday June 17, 1982 BBC One showed the very first episode of Fame in the UK. Broadcast right after Top Of The Pops, the series became a phenomenon.

The show ran for six seasons. Five television soundtrack albums were released. The Kids from Fame emerged from the series and became one of the biggest pop acts from the 1980s.

The reunion show in September will feature original cast members Valerie Landsburg (Doris), Lee Curreri (Bruno), Carlo Imperato (Danny), P.R. Paul (Montgomery), Cynthia Gibb (Holly), Jesse Borrego (Jesse), Loretta Chandler (Dusty) and Michael Cerveris (Ian).

There is also a meet and greet convention on Sunday, September 11 at Birmingham Rep.

Tickets are from www.FameUKReunion.co.uk

The cast is brought together by life-long fan Sue Hinds who, with a team of volunteers, is producing the show in aid of Claire House Children’s Hospice.

Valerie Landsburg, who played Doris Schwartz in the series from 1982 to 1985, said: "There is something very special about coming back to the UK for this concert. I was sent to London to do press for FAME in 1982.

"I was bowled over by the effect the show had in the UK. None of us had any idea.

"Coming back again to perform feels like a perfect circle back to these roots with the fans!

"The visit to Clare House Hospice with my friend Sue Hinds was an eye-opening experience.

"This was an approach to support not only a child or teenager with a critical illness or a severe on going health situation that will shorten their life expectancy, but one that cradles the entire family through what may be the hardest journey of their lives.”

Cynthia Gibb, who played Holly Laird in the series from 1983 to 1986, said: "I could not be more thrilled for the opportunity to be with my Fame family, in such a special country, for such a moving charity.

"Our cast is so much closer today than we ever have been and we’d like to share that love and joy with our audience.

"We are planning quite a party and invite anyone who was ever inspired by Fame to come join us! We’ll make you feel like you're part of the family!"

The show's producer Sue Hinds said: "Like hundreds of other fans I desperately wanted the Fame cast to return to the U.K.

"However no one was stepping forward to take on that responsibility and challenge.

"It occurred to me that the person stepping forward could be me ... after all if you want something bad enough then you have to make it happen.

"The journey has been incredible and I've had the most amazing support from some fellow Fame Fans and together we have become a great team.

"Like me these colleagues want nothing more than to create an amazing product, do the cast and fans proud and raise some cash for our fantastic charity.

"I felt it was only proper to run the events in aid of a charity. Whilst I don’t have children of my own, I do care for a sick parent and I can imagine that it must be heartbreaking to have a sick child.

"I just wanted to be able to help families, and the children themselves, to have as many happy memories as they possibly can."

P R Paul, who played Montgomery MacNeill in the series from 1982-1983 said: "I semi-retired from acting in 1989 when I took over the business my father built.

"In 2007, I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Post remission, I decided to sell the business to downgrade stress in my life.

"I reconnected with my Fame cast mates in 2017 and we all had a fantastic time!

"I live an incredibly blessed life and giving back to the community is of paramount importance to me."