Channel 5 celebrate ‘To The Manor Born’

Another classic BBC television series is given a retrospective celebration…

Between 1979 and 1981, up to 24 million viewers were glued to their televisions for a sitcom that centred around the very British subject of class. Starring Dame Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles, this hysterical comedy followed the fortunes of upper-crust Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her manor house to self-made grocer Richard De Vere.

This 90-minute special features a brand-new interview with Dame Penelope Keith, along with co-stars, crew and celebrity fans.

A scene from To The Manor Born / BBC

The programme hears the story of the sitcom, the backstage secrets, and learns how the show went from a cheap radio pilot to a smash hit comedy series. Featuring classic clips and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes archive footage, the show is packed with unmissable moments as the aristocracy meets trade and ultimately an unlikely couple fall in love.

Along with Dame Penelope, the show features interviews with Sarah Beeny, Lady Carnarvon, Gyles Brandreth, Rula Lenska and Michael Cochrane. Sadly leading co-star Peter Bowles passed away in March 2022.

To the Manor Born: Britain’s Most Loved Comedy, Channel 5, Saturday (January 27th) 9.20 pm

Reunited: Penelope and Peter in Executive Stress for ITV/Thames