probate and will distribution of money delays

A friend of mine died in October 2010 and left me some money in his will. Probate has not yet been obtained, but will be needed as the assets are mostly land and buildings. The solicitor has a copy of the will. Until about 2 months ago the solicitor and executors were reasonably cooperative, but now they have all refused to communicate with me, the solicitor claims client confidentiality, and the executors will not say why. I have checked at the probate registry, who say that probate has not been filed, and the land registry entries for the properties are still in the deceased’s name.

I want to avoid going to a solicitor because they cost a lot of money.

Does anyone know what I can do next?

How can I find out what is causing the delay?

If there is a criminal or money laundering issue, of which I am unaware, will this mean that the solicitor and executors will not be allowed to tell me of its existence, and how can I find out about its existence (but not the detail), so that I can avoid unnecessary legal fees, and be notified when it is all sorted out?

Can I require the solicitor to hand over the will and become the executor myself, if so how?