It can't have escaped the eyes and ears of the dedicated
comedy fan that the BBC is on the hunt for Britains
Best Sitcom
. In a special series of
programmes a shortlist of ten of the nations favourite sitcoms is being put to
the public vote. Each week a different celebrity champions the cause of
their favourite sitcom in a programme dedicated to their treasured show.
Immediately after hearing the case for a sitcom viewers get the chance to
see an episode of that show in BBC2.
In tribute to the BBC's search UK Gold has announced a special series
dedicated to the nation's top 10. From February 16th to March 26th UK Gold
will be showing all the shows in the shortlist. The series runs every
weeknight from 7pm for 6 weeks.
UK Gold's great tribute begins at 7pm, with the sublime Yes Minister. True to
the rule that says people rise to the level of their incompetence, The Rt Hon
James Hacker PC, MP, BSc (Econ) (Paul Eddington), has now ascended to the
highest political office in the land. Fortunately for the country, his
scheming advisor Sir Humphrey (Nigel Hawthorne) proves more than willing to
steer the unsteady ship of state through the perilous waters of government.
The classic comedy continues at 7.40pm with Dad's Army featuring Captain
Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe) and his "force of ruthless killers". Following on
at 8.20pm with the show that launched Felicity Kendal's bottom to a grateful
nation, The Good Life. 9pm brings the fantastically written and
superbly cast, Only Fools and Horses, arguably the greatest sitcom of all time.
Here's another chance to savour some of the most memorable episodes as Peckham's
finest - aka Derek Trotter (the brilliant David Jason) - chases that elusive
fortune.
It may be just Porridge to habitual criminal Norman Stanley Fletcher (Ronnie
Barker), but it will be a feast for all viewers at 9.40pm as UK Gold warms up
those winter nights with the third series of the nation's most stirring
comedy! And last but by no means least at 10.20pm, everyone's favourite
miserable old git still has One Foot In the Grave. For many a long year, Victor
Meldrew has been the tireless champion of the silent suburban majority.
Other great titles featured in UK Gold's Britain's Best Sitcom season are:
Open All Hours, Blackadder, The Vicar of Dibley and Fawlty Towers.
