First broadcast: 1989
Stars: David Jason, Gwen Taylor, David Thewlis
Writer: based on the books by David Nobbs
The lowdown: David Jason leads the all-star cast in this comedy drama series, with each episode taking place at a different social function or “do”. Based in a fictional Yorkshire town, the show features Jason and Gwen Taylor as the working-class Simcocks who bump into their bitter rivals, the middle-class Rodenhursts, at the various bashes. Add to the mix their gaggle of friends and there’s almost certainly the chance of one disaster or another amid the warm wine and vol-au-vents.
Trivia: Writer David Nobbs is also the creator of another famous TV character: Reginald Perrin.
David Jason trained to an electrician before starting his acting career in repertory theatre.
