Cluedo II: It was the footballer with the axe in the spa

KILLING a professor or a reverend in a library with an iron bar occupied millions of families worldwide for more than half a century — the upper-crust murders almost seemed akin to a decent murder mystery.

However, Hercule Poirot would appear to have been replaced by Footballers’ Wives in the newly revamped Cluedo.

Now Mrs White is more likely to kill a video designer in a cineplex by overdosing him with pills.

Every aspect of the game has been given a makeover.

The weaponry has been updated to be appropriate to the 21st century.

Rather than relying on the primitive dagger or lead pipe the murderer can avail of a baseball bat, an award statuette or a dumb-bell, right.

The rooms where the dastardly deed can be done no longer include the study or the library. Instead, the spa, widescreen theatre or patio might be the preferred location.

The surnames of the old characters have been retained, but their personalities could hardly be any more different.

The former Reverend Green is now Jacob Green, a fixer most likely to cash in the favours.

Colonel Mustard has been replaced by Jack Mustard a celebrity football player.

Mrs White the housekeeper is Diane White the child star.

A spokesman for manufacturer Hasbro said: “We wanted to bring the game bang up to date.

“The new characters are more in tune with modern society, and with the added touch of a first name, more human.

“The new rooms and weapons have helped to give the game a much needed facelift, and with the added risk of players being killed off mid-play we have definitely increased its tempo.”