Iconic 70s sitcom set to return to screens following 16-year absence

Last of the Summer Wine aired its final episode in 2010, but a new one-off special on the beloved sitcom will be coming to screens next year

Bill Owen, Brian Wilde and Peter Sallis in a still from Last of the Summer Wine

Bill Owen, Brian Wilde and Peter Sallis in a still from Last of the Summer Wine

Last of the Summer Wine’s creator, Roy Clarke, who is currently 96, said of the upcoming drama: “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’s legacy

When the show first aired, it focused on the exploits of Cyril Blamire (Michael Bates), William ‘Compo’ Simmonite (Bill Owen) and Norman ‘Cleggy’ Clegg (Peter Sallis), as the show evolved it started featuring an ensemble cast. Although Michael quickly departed the serial owing to his health, Bill and Peter remained on the show, with Bill dying following the show’s 21st season, and Peter staying until the show aired its final episode.

During its run, the show featured incredible guest stars, including the likes of John Cleese, June Whitfield, Norman Wisdom and Eric Sykes.

Bill Owen, Brian Wilde and Peter Sallis in Last of the Summer Wine© Getty Images
Peter Sallis starred in every episode of the show

Last of the Summer Wine won millions of fans over the years thanks to its family-friendly style of humour, with even members of the royal family known to be fans. In 2001, it was reported that both the late Queen and the Queen Mother were fans of the show, with Her Late Majesty speaking of her love with one of the show’s stars, Dame Thora Hird.

At the time, Thora said: “In a way, we regard our Christmas specials as something of a command performance for our 8m fans – who also happen to include the Queen and the Queen Mum.”

Thora Hird and Jean Alexander in a still from Last of the Summer Wine© Alamy Stock Photo
Dame Thora revealed the late Queen loved the show

“A few years ago, Buckingham Palace listed the Queen’s favourite viewing, and we topped the list on comedy. The Queen invited me to lunch – in between giving me my OBE and making me a dame – and told me how much she enjoys Last of the Summer Wine. She said: ‘My mother never misses it, too’.”

CRE: https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/906825/last-of-the-summer-wine-returns-one-off-special/