British Comedy Guide
Nearest And Dearest. Image shows from L to R: Nellie Pledge (Hylda Baker), Eli Pledge (Jimmy Jewel). Copyright: Granada Television
Nearest And Dearest

Nearest And Dearest

  • TV sitcom
  • ITV1
  • 1968 - 1973
  • 45 episodes (7 series)

Sitcom about brother and sister, Eli and Nellie Pledge, forced to run a pickle factory together. Stars Hylda Baker, Jimmy Jewel, Joe Gladwin, Madge Hindle, Edward Malin and Bert Palmer

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Nearest And Dearest. Image shows from L to R: Eli Pledge (Jimmy Jewel), Nellie Pledge (Hylda Baker). Copyright: Granada Television

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Broadcast
1968 - 1973
Channel
ITV
Episodes
45 (7 series), plus 1 short special
Creators
Vince Powell and Harry Driver
Stars
Hylda Baker, Jimmy Jewel, Joe Gladwin, Madge Hindle, Edward Malin and Bert Palmer
Writers
Vince Powell, Harry Driver, John Stevenson, Roy Bottomley and Tom Brennand
Directors
June Howson and Bill Podmore
Producers
Peter Eckersley and Bill Podmore
Company

Colne's finest pickle factory, Pledge's Purer Pickles, falls into the hands of Nellie and Eli Pledge after the death of their father, Joshua. Neither of the previously estranged siblings are that keen on taking on the business but they are forced into partnership by their father's bequest of £20,000 cash, should they keep the factory - and family home - running for at least 5 years.

The pair's second cousin Lily and her dithering octogenarian husband Walter are regular visitors to the Pledge household, alongside factory transport manager Stan and his horse Storm. A factory full of colourful characters complete the ensemble.

Additional details

Also known as
  • Nearest & Dearest
Production
Studio
Camera set-up
Multi-camera
Picture
Colour
Soundtrack
Theme tune composed by Derek Hilton.

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Thursday 15th August 1968 at 8pm on ITV1

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