THE iconic TV advert which cemented Accrington Stanley’s place in popular culture has been remade with the original actor – 27 years on.

British vodka company Black Cow, which produces the spirit from milk, has launched a tribute to the classic “Accrington Stanley, Who Are They?” milk advert, complete with original leading man, Carl Rice.

In the new ad Carl, now 36, echoes the same words he once delivered as a boy, but a glass of vodka now replaces milk.

First aired in 1989, the original advert became an instant classic and propelled Accrington Stanley into the national consciousness.

Carl was invited to Stanley games after his performance, explaining ‘it’s what Ian Rush drinks’ in a strong Liverpudlian accent, catapulted the then non-league club to the lips of thousands.

He said: “I never imagined that the original ad would go on to make such an impact.

“Thirty years of working in this industry and people still fondly remember it. I’ve even been invited up to Accrington to watch the club a few times.

“Remembering my lines for this Black Cow ad wasn’t exactly hard and the only difference was swapping the milk for milk vodka.”

Peter Leatham is chairman of Accrington Stanley supporters’ club. He said: “Most Stanley fans don’t take themselves that seriously and the original advert got the club’s name known to a wide audience.

“The club even use the phrase ‘Exactly’ from the ad in tweets and publicity material.

“I think most people of a certain age remember the advert and when I saw the remake it made me smile.”

Paul Archand, co-founder of Black Cow said: “Often when we explain Black Cow vodka is made from milk the reaction we get is ‘Milk?! Eugh!’ and this made us think of the classic “Accrington Stanley ad. Consider this our homage.”

Carl still acts and has had recent appearances in Coronation Street and Casualty.