I doubt if it would fool people now...

I remember watching this with my family when it was first shown and we had already decided it was a spoof before the end credits. Watching it now it wouldn't fool anybody because one or two of the characters in the programme are now reasonably well known actors, but given how cynical society has become over the last 15-20 years I'd be surprised if a modern similar effort would take anybody in now. However, as an example of an elaborate April Fools joke it is still worth a watch.