A new two-hour TV special devoted to iconic sitcom Last Of The Summer Wine will feature new insights into the much loved characters and setting of the show.
The Last Drop of Summer Wine is described as an exploration of Sir Roy Clarke’s classic series and the longest‑running BBC sitcom in the world. Actor and comedian Brian Conley will take viewers on a jaunt to Holmfirth and the heart of Summer Wine country in Yorkshire to revisit the locations that became a worldwide tourist attraction, and meet the families of cast members, local residents and friends of the show.
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.”
View 2 ImagesBrian Conley will front a love letter to the world’s longest running sitcom in The Last Drop of Summer Wine.
Exclusively for this new special, Clarke has also created a selection of “brand‑new written reflections” inspired by the series. Woven throughout the special, these are said to offer a personal response to the characters, places and enduring legacy of Last of the Summer Wine, giving Clarke’s unmistakable voice a central role in the celebration.
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.”
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.
Owen, who played Compo, died in 1999 aged 85 whilst Peter Sallis, who was known for many years as Norman Clegg, died in 2017. Kathy Staff played the role of Nora Batty for 243 episodes and died in 2008.
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, 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 commissioning executive Jason Dawson. It will air on U&GOLD in 2027. 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?”
* The Last Drop of Summer Wine will air in 2027 on U&GOLD.
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