Kojak's back - and he's black

Kojak is making a television comeback but this time he's black.

Ving Rhames, 43, will play the bald detective made famous by Telly Savalas in the 1970s.

He is to play the tough New York policeman in a two-hour TV movie, with a series to follow, reports The Sun.

Show chief Jeff Wachtel said: "Telly Savalas is so closely identified with the role, we needed someone this unique and powerful.

"Most people have heard of Kojak, so it's a great brand we can bring something contemporary and special to."

Savalas, who starred in the show from 1973, died of cancer in 1994, aged 70.