Roy Clarke

Creator Roy Clarke says he knew series 31 would be last

As the final series begins, the creator of Last of the Summer Wine says the upcoming episodes were written in the knowledge they would be the last. In an exclusive interview with the Examiner, author/ scriptwriter Roy Clarke says that far from the axe coming as a shock, the BBC had made it clear to him that this was the end. He also says that the final episode does have a "quiet" ending which he believes is fitting for the show, filmed in Holmfirth.

Kevin Core, Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 24th July 2010

Back for a 29th season, the world's longest-running sitcom (with every episode still written by the redoubtable Roy Clarke) survives all attempts to inhibit its quest for eternal life - even an insurance policy that bars 87-year-old stalwart Frank Thornton, who plays 'Truly' Truelove, from filming outdoor scenes.

Rumours abound that Russ Abbott (a spring chicken at 60) will be joining the cast but first Brian Conley pops up as Barry's (Mike Grady) fitness-mad neighbour who outshines him in all things physical. Yet when it comes to karate, it seems Barry has a way to level the playing field.

Gerard O'Donovan, The Telegraph, 22nd June 2008