To The Manor Born. Image shows from L to R: Audrey fforbes-Hamilton (Penelope Keith), Richard DeVere (Peter Bowles). Copyright: BBC

Key details

Genre
Documentary
Broadcast
2024
Channel
Channel 5
Episodes
1
Features
Penelope Keith, Sarah Beeny, Fiona Carnarvon, Gyles Brandreth, Rula Lenska, Michael Cochrane, Jonathan Elsom, John Lloyd and more
Directors
Miranda Glasser
Producers
Miranda Glasser, Emma Clarke, Matt Crook and Lyndsey Hicksford
Company

Between 1979 and 1981, up to 24 million viewers were glued to their televisions for a sitcom that centered around the very British subject of class. Starring Dame Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles, this hysterical comedy followed the fortunes of upper crust Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her manor house to self-made grocer Richard De Vere.

This 90-minute special features a brand-new interview with Dame Penelope Keith, along with co stars, crew and celebrity fans. We hear the story of the sitcom, the backstage secrets, and learn how the show went from cheap radio pilot to smash hit comedy series. Featuring classic clips and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes archive, the show is packed with unmissable moments as the aristocracy meets trade and ultimately an unlikely couple fall in love.

Catch-up

Additional details

Also known as
  • To The Manor Born: Britain's Best Loved Comedy
  • To The Manor Born: Britain's Most Loved Comedy
Production
Location
Camera set-up
Single camera
Picture
Colour

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Saturday 27th January 2024 at 9:20pm on Channel 5
Episode length
80 minutes

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