British Comedy Guide
In Loving Memory. Image shows from L to R: Billy Henshaw (Christopher Beeny), Ivy Unsworth (Thora Hird). Copyright: Rex
In Loving Memory

In Loving Memory

  • TV sitcom
  • ITV1
  • 1969 - 1986
  • 37 episodes (5 series)

Comedy about an auntie and nephew, Ivy and Billy, who run a family undertakers' business in 1920s Yorkshire. Stars Thora Hird, Christopher Beeny, Colin Farrell, Avis Bunnage, Sherrie Hewson and more.

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In Loving Memory. Image shows from L to R: Billy Henshaw (Christopher Beeny), Ivy Unsworth (Thora Hird)

Key details

Genre
Sitcom
Broadcast
1969 - 1986
Channel
ITV
Episodes
37 (1 pilot + 5 series)
Stars
Thora Hird, Christopher Beeny, Colin Farrell, Avis Bunnage, Sherrie Hewson, Rose Power and Liz Smith
Writer
Dick Sharples
Director
Ronnie Baxter
Producer
Ronnie Baxter
Companies

It's 1929 and in semi-rural Yorkshire, Billy Henshaw, as honest and well-meaning as he may be, is one of the most accident-prone and naive people one could ever wish not to meet!

Orphaned at a young age and living with his mother's sister, Ivy, and her unforgiving husband, Jeremiah Unsworth, Billy is thrust to the fore of their family undertakers' business when his uncle dies in a tragic accident involving a brakeless hearse. Struggling through the hardships of the inter-war period, facing a tide of changing social mores, and living in each others' pockets doesn't always make for the easiest of times, but the dedicated duo give everything a thoroughly good go.

Amidst the day-to-day strife of laying out and planting Oldshaw's deceased, Billy's also nearing 30 and still unwed - despite his best efforts! It seems that many girls simply don't fancy stepping out with an undertaker.

Additional details

Production
Studio
Camera set-up
Multi-camera
Picture
Colour

Website links

Broadcast details

First broadcast
Tuesday 4th November 1969 at 8:25pm on ITV1
Most recent repeats

Recording details

  • Luddenden - Location filming (Link)

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