British Comedy Guide
My Family. Image shows from L to R: Michael Harper (Gabriel Thomson), Susan Harper (Zoë Wanamaker), Ben Harper (Robert Lindsay), Janey Harper (Daniela Denby-Ashe)
My Family

My Family

  • TV sitcom
  • BBC One
  • 2000 - 2011
  • 120 episodes (11 series)

A long-running, high rating BBC One sitcom about an average middle class family. Stars Robert Lindsay and Zoe Wanamaker. Stars Robert Lindsay, Zoë Wanamaker, Gabriel Thomson, Daniela Denby-Ashe, Siobhan Hayes and more.

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Series 9, Episode 3 - A Very Brief Encounter

Susan asks Ben to help an old girlfriend of hers through a divorce, but nearly precipitates her own.

Further details

My Family. Image shows from L to R: Janey Harper (Daniela Denby-Ashe), Susan Harper (Zoë Wanamaker), Michael Harper (Gabriel Thomson), Ben Harper (Robert Lindsay). Copyright: DLT Entertainment Ltd. / Rude Boy Productions

Susan's old university friend, Margot, visits for some support during her divorce. Ben is surprised when Margot reveals how good Susan was at picking men up in her youth and is horrified to find out their sons, Nick and Michael, were named after two of her many ex-boyfriends.

Meanwhile, Janey attempts to lift Roger's spirits by assuring him women find him attractive - especially her fictitious Swedish friend, Elke. When Roger learns Swedish and decides he wants to meet Elke, Janey is forced to let him down by faking a phone call from Elke saying she's moved back to Sweden. All she has to do is persuade someone to be Elke.

Elsewhere, Margot finds out her husband has a date and decides she needs a man to make him jealous. Susan and Ben volunteer to help her, but end up distracted by a wager they have between themselves. Susan is confident she can pick up more phone numbers than Ben and, in no time, she's surrounded by men - whilst Ben struggles to get women to take any notice of him.

Margot has no more luck than Ben, so Susan very kindly loans him to her for the evening as a substitute date. When the date goes to plan and Margot's husband leaves the restaurant looking miserable, the pair celebrate with another bottle of wine. But, the following morning, it seems it may have been one bottle too many as Ben wakes up in a very sticky situation.

Broadcast details

Date
Thursday 16th April 2009
Time
8pm
Channel
BBC One
Length
30 minutes

Cast & crew

Cast
Robert Lindsay Ben Harper
Zoë Wanamaker Susan Harper
Gabriel Thomson Michael Harper
Daniela Denby-Ashe Janey Harper
Keiron Self Roger Bailey Jr.
Rhodri Meilir Alfie Butts
Guest cast
Belinda Lang Margot (Susan's Friend)
Ian Ashpitel Kenny
Mike Sherman Man at Bar
Nicola Bryant Anne
Jasper Holmes Barman
Kali Peacock Woman in Bar
Margo Virginia Cargill Sally
Michael Fenner Phil (Margot's Husband)
Writing team
Ed Dyson Writer (Additional Material)
Amy Shindler Writer (Additional Material)
Jim Armogida Writer
Steve Armogida Writer
Robin Taylor Writer (Additional Material)
Production team
Nic Phillips Director
John Bartlett Producer
Donald Taffner Jr. Executive Producer
Micheál Jacob Executive Producer
Tom Anderson Executive Producer
Chris Wadsworth Editor
Ian Fisher Production Designer
Sandie Shepherd Production Designer
Graham Jarvis Composer

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