U&GOLD is heading to Yorkshire for The Last Drop of Summer Wine(1×120’), an exploration of Sir Roy Clarke’s classic series and the longest‑running TV sitcom in the world.
Actor and comedian Brian Conley will take viewers to Holmfirth and the heart of Summer Wine country to revisit the locations that became a worldwide tourist attraction, and meet the families of cast members, local residents and friends of the show.
Sir Roy Clarke has also created a selection of brand‑new written reflections inspired by the series. Woven throughout the special, these offer a personal response to the characters, places and enduring legacy of Last of the Summer Wine, giving Sir Clarke’s unmistakable voice a central role in the celebration.
The film will also feature unseen photos, scripts and scrapbooks from the personal archives of Sir Roy Clarke, along with family photos from the families of Bill Owen, Peter Sallis, Kathy Staff, and the show’s long-term producer and director, Alan JW Bell.
Brian Conley said, “I am delighted to be hosting this look back at the longest running TV sitcom in the world. Getting the chance to share all the amazing stories, the fun, the laughter, and above all the love, was a real honour.”
Sir Roy Clarke said, “It’s been a pleasure to work on this one. We’ve squeezed all the juice that we can with love and affection. I’ve enjoyed this wander down Memory Lane as I hope the viewers will.”
Last of the Summer Wine first aired on the BBC in 1973 and ran for 31 series, with the last series ending in 2010. All 295 episodes, including Christmas specials, television films and a one-off prequel, were written by Sir Roy Clarke. The original cast comprised the trio of Bill Owen, Peter Sallis and Michael Bates, alongside the likes of John Coman and Jane Freeman as café owners Sid and Ivy and Kathy Staff’s Nora Batty, but over the years has included Russ Abbot, Jean Alexander, Trevor Bannister, Dame Thora Hird, Burt Kwouk, Brian Murphy, Tom Owen, Brian Wilde, Gordon Wharmby, June Whitfield and many more – Brian Conley previously appeared in the series in a guest role.
The Last Drop of Summer Wine is commissioned for UKTV by Jason Dawson, commissioning executive, and ordered by Emma Tibbetts, director of programming, scripted, and Hilary Rosen, director of commissioning. The Last Drop of Summer Wine is produced by Phil Mcinyre Television. Lindsay Jex is producer, Adele Fowler is talent producer and Lucy Ansbro is the executive producer.
Jason Dawson said, “Six decades since it began, our viewers are still utterly devoted to Last of the Summer Wine, and we’re honoured to have Sir Roy Clarke, Brian Conley and the brilliant producers at Phil McIntyre working with us to celebrate and reward that devotion with this wonderful film. Besides, any excuse to visit Holmfirth right?”
Emma Tibbetts said, “Last of the Summer Wine is one of the absolute jewels in the crown of U&Gold’s programming, and we want to do tribute to it as best we possibly can with this new retrospective special. Viewers are sure to fall in love with this wonderfully funny series and its richly drawn characters all over again.”
Lindsay Jex, Phil Mcintyre Television, said, “It’s been a real treat to make this film. Not only having the opportunity to work with Sir Roy Clarke, but spending time with the local community of Holmfirth, together with family and friends of the show’s cast and crew who have very kindly gone into their lofts and garages to dig out a treasure trove of family photos, scripts, props & behind-the-scenes footage.”
The Last Drop of Summer Wine is in production now and will air on U&GOLD in 2027.
Jon Creamer
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