The Green Green Grass. Image shows from L to R: Boycie (John Challis), Marlene Boyce (Sue Holderness). Copyright: Shazam Productions
The Green Green Grass

The Green Green Grass

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One
  • 2005 - 2009
  • 32 episodes (4 series)

Boycie is on the run from infamous London villains. To help ensure he lives to an old age he moves to the countryside with his family. Stars John Challis, Sue Holderness, Jack Doolan, David Ross, Ivan Kaye and more.

Character guide

The Green Green Grass. Boycie (John Challis). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Boycie

AKA: Herman Aubrey Boyce.  Gentleman Farmer.   Played by: John Challis

Wealthy Boycie was the local second hand car dealer in Peckham before the infamous Driscoll Brothers showed an interest in him.

Boycie is extremely arrogant, a scrooge and a complete snob, it's probably not a surprise therefore that he is attracted to the idea of becoming a Gentleman Farmer.

At heart Boycie is a actually a good man although he does sometimes find it hard to show affection to his wife - but then again can you blame him?

The Green Green Grass. Marlene Boyce (Sue Holderness). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Marlene Boyce

Played by: Sue Holderness

Boycie's wife Marlene is more used to health farms than the cow-breeding, hay-making variety.

Marlene is appalled at her change in circumstance. She is soon sick of the smells and sights of the farm and yearns for what she's used to - the noises and smells of city life.

After years of trying for a baby with Boyce it is probably no surprise that she spoils her little Tyler and fails to notice his faults.

Marlene is certainly a hit with the farm workers - as they would say: "Ohhh, isn't it just!"

The Green Green Grass. Tyler Boyce (Jack Doolan). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Tyler Boyce

Played by: Jack Doolan

Tyler is Boycie and Marlene's son. Tyler is lost without his friends and his favourite skateboard park and horrified at the thought of starting a new school.

However, when he meets girlfriend Beth, Tyler does start to see some sense in staying in the countyside after all.

The Green Green Grass. Elgin Sparrowhawk (David Ross). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Elgin Sparrowhawk

Farm Manager.   Played by: David Ross

Elgin is the farm manager at Winterdown Farm (as he keeps repeating out loud in case someone forgets). Although Elgin might play the fool he's not as daft as people might think. He becomes adept at handling Boycie's whims and getting what he wants from his master.

Elgin becomes infatuated with Marlene, who is the sort of woman he hasn't encountered for a long while.

The Green Green Grass. Bryan (Ivan Kaye). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Bryan

Herdsman.   Played by: Ivan Kaye

Kind hearted Bryan is the farm's herdsman and while he expertly knows his way around cows and bulls, unfortunately he is less of a hit with the ladies.

The Green Green Grass. Imelda Cakeworthy (Ella Kenion). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Imelda Cakeworthy

Housekeeper.   Played by: Ella Kenion

Mrs Cakeworthy is housekeeper at the Boyce's new home. She's work shy and almost incomprehensible but part of the fabric of the new home - and she means well, even if she does help herself to the food out of their cupboards.

The Green Green Grass. Jed (Peter Heppelthwaite). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Jed

Ploughman.   Played by: Peter Heppelthwaite

Jed is the farm's ploughman and not the brightest bale in the stack. He's well meaning and helpful but he's best left to dealing with crops.

The Green Green Grass. Llewellyn (Alan David). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Llewellyn

Farmer.   Played by: Alan David

Llewellyn is Boycie and Marlene's neighbouring farmer. He's Welsh, fiercely patriotic and thinks the English should give him his land back. He doesn't suffer fools gladly - which is a bit unfortunate as he lives next door to one.

The Green Green Grass. Beth (Lisa Diveney). Copyright: Shazam Productions

Beth (Series 1-3)

Played by: Lisa Diveney

Beth is Tyler's girlfriend. She is smart, clever and not afraid to assert herself.

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