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.

Last of the Summer Wine to return for six episodes

The world's longest-running sitcom returns for 31st series in 2010, quashing speculation it could be axed.

LoTSW among BBC targets for comedy culling

It is a vintage 37 years in the making and the worlds longest-running sitcom. But the axe may be about to fall on Last of the Summer Wine as the BBC carries out a comedy cull.

LotSW - Pros and Cons

National institution prancing along The Mall for Trooping of the Colour or emaciated old nag in the yard that needs putting out of her misery with a double-barrelled shotgun to save on the vet's fees? The opinion is as polarising as the Ross/ Brand tedium, and probably just as riven along the generational fault lines.

Enjoy LotSW - you'll be sorry when it's gone

Last of the Summer Wine rightfully deserves its status as an institution, but why is this classic of British television so underrated?

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.

Why has the Summer Wine lasted?

How has a series about tin-bath surfing Yorkshire pensioners become the world's longest-running sitcom?

In contrast to a simple trio of characters, these days the programme appears to be some kind of retirement home for elderly sitcom actors, with refugees from George and Mildred, Terry and June, Are You Being Served? and Keeping Up Appearances now making up the numbers. [...] Still, it's no good complaining. While it remains able to draw a respectable Sunday teatime audience, and as long as the cast and Roy Clarke are still able, the BBC will most likely keep making it.

Summer Wine still gladdens the heart

Today the gentle humour of writer Roy Clarke makes it cult viewing in the USA and the official website of the Summer Wine Appreciation Society is filled with letters from appreciative US fans who have seen it on public broadcasting services and are eager for more via DVDs.

In Comedy Connections (BBC1) it emerged that Roy Clarke, the writer, and Harold Snoad, the producer/director, were horns locked during its run. The BBC had to bring in a script editor to interpose his innocent body between the combatants.