Nearest And Dearest. Image shows from L to R: Nellie Pledge (Hylda Baker), Eli Pledge (Jimmy Jewel). Copyright: Granada Television
Nearest And Dearest

Nearest And Dearest

  • TV sitcom
  • ITV1
  • 1968 - 1973
  • 45 episodes (7 series)

Sitcom about brother and sister, Eli and Nellie Pledge, forced to run a pickle factory together. Stars Hylda Baker, Jimmy Jewel, Joe Gladwin, Madge Hindle, Edward Malin and Bert Palmer

Episode menu

Series 1, Episode 4 - Take A Letter

"Of course I need a private secretary. Fifty copies of the annual report in pencil just isn't on these days!"

Further details

Since "Beetroot Bertha" has let the company "in-tray" get to such a state that British Rail won't transport it, Eli has decided to advertise for a secretary - much to Nellie's disgust. Of course, Eli being Eli, he has to interview only the most glamorous and scantily clad young women.

"Nemenie No-Knicks" as Nellie so nicely puts it, gets the job and Eli sets to work straight away whisking her off for dinners and typing up the odd memo in the parlour on a typewriter that was holding down the pigeon loft roof.

Unfortunately, there is always a cloud on the horizon, and as soon as the new secretary finds out Eli doesn't have any money, and won't have any money until he has lived with Nellie for at least five years, she is off.

But never fear, for Nellie finds a replacement straight away: not another bird for Eli to chase, but a strapping six foot man called Willoughby!

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 5th September 1968
Time
8pm
Channel
ITV1
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Hylda Baker Nellie Pledge
Jimmy Jewel Eli Pledge
Joe Gladwin Stan Hardman
Bert Palmer Bert
Guest cast
Margaret Nolan Nemone Moore
Patti Dalton Office Girl
Bertie Topham Secretary
Christine Ozanne Miss Darnell
Madge Brindley Miss Lavere
Writing team
Roy Bottomley Writer
Tom Brennand Writer
Production team
June Howson Director
Peter Eckersley Producer
Derek Hilton Composer
Denis Parkin Production Designer

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