Last Of The Summer Wine. Image shows from L to R: Walter C. 'Foggy' Dewhurst (Brian Wilde), William 'Compo' Simmonite (Bill Owen), Norman Clegg (Peter Sallis). Copyright: BBC
Last Of The Summer Wine

Last Of The Summer Wine

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One
  • 1973 - 2010
  • 295 episodes (31 series)

Gentle sitcom following a group of pensioners living in Yorkshire. This show was Britain's longest-running TV sitcom. Stars Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Frank Thornton, Brian Murphy, Michael Bates and more.

Press clippings Page 7

Summer Wine to be cancelled producer claims

The BBC is planning to axe Last of The Summer Wine after more than 35 years on the air, its producer claimed last night.

Sarah Knapton, The Telegraph, 18th December 2008

Back for a 29th season, the world's longest-running sitcom (with every episode still written by the redoubtable Roy Clarke) survives all attempts to inhibit its quest for eternal life - even an insurance policy that bars 87-year-old stalwart Frank Thornton, who plays 'Truly' Truelove, from filming outdoor scenes.

Rumours abound that Russ Abbott (a spring chicken at 60) will be joining the cast but first Brian Conley pops up as Barry's (Mike Grady) fitness-mad neighbour who outshines him in all things physical. Yet when it comes to karate, it seems Barry has a way to level the playing field.

Gerard O'Donovan, The Telegraph, 22nd June 2008

Why has the Summer Wine lasted?

How has a series about tin-bath surfing Yorkshire pensioners become the world's longest-running sitcom?

Lucy Mangan, The Guardian, 6th November 2007

Summer Wine still gladdens the heart

Today the gentle humour of writer Roy Clarke makes it cult viewing in the USA and the official website of the Summer Wine Appreciation Society is filled with letters from appreciative US fans who have seen it on public broadcasting services and are eager for more via DVDs.

Tony Pogson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 11th March 2005

Axe Summer Wine says shock magazine survey

The longest-running comedy TV series in the world was given the thumbs down by 12,000 television buffs in a Radio Times survey.

Ed Reed, Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 23rd September 2003

I'm a Wine fan, says Prince

The Queen Mother got the Prince of Wales hooked on the TV sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine, it has been revealed.

Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 28th February 2002

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