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


© Getty Images
Matthew Moore
Matthew MooreSenior Evening Writer
2 minutes ago
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Last of the Summer Wine is one of Britain's favourite sitcoms, with the Yorkshire-set drama airing for an unbelievable 37 years between 1973 and 2010.

Since it came off screens, it has been endlessly repeated, while documentaries have explored the legacy of the iconic show while also providing fans with behind-the-scenes snippets.

And it's been confirmed that the show is due to return for another one-off special, The Last Drop of Summer Wine, which will be aired on UKTV in 2027.

The special will be presented by actor Brian Conley, who previously starred in an episode of the long-running show back in 2008. In a statement, the star 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."

Brian Conley standing in front of a red car© UKTV
Brian will be fronting the documentary

According to the release, the show will feature Brian taking "viewers on a jaunt 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".

The Last Drop of Summer Wine will also feature previously unseen photos, scripts and scrapbooks from the legendary sitcom, alongside images provided by some of the show's original cast members, including Peter Sallis, Bill Owen and Kathy Staff.

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'."

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