Bond inspiration

Initially, when creators Glen A. Larson and Donald P. Bellisario (pictured with his wife Deborah) first wrote 'Magnum P.I.', Thomas Magnum was based on James Bond, constantly surrounded by women with a martini in hand.

However, Tom Selleck - who was cast as the private detective - took issue with the concept, citing that he found it too restricting and uninteresting.

As a result, the 79-year-old actor pitched the character that we all know and love, and the rest is history.