Legendary BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine is the latest comedy great to get a detailed retrospective from UKTV, with actor and comedian Brian Conley to front the upcoming special.
The Last Drop of Summer Wine is currently in production, with an eye to premiering next year, and sees Conley “revisit the locations that became a worldwide tourist attraction, and meet the families of cast members, local residents and friends of the show”.
Original series creator and writer Sir Roy Clarke, now 96, is involved in the tribute, having “created a selection of brand new written reflections inspired by the series”, which will be “woven throughout the special”.
UKTV teases that “these offer a personal response to the characters, places and enduring legacy of Last of the Summer Wine, giving Sir Clarke’s unmistakable voice a central role in the celebration”.
Clarke said in a statement: “It’s been a pleasure to work on this one. We’ve squeezed all the juice that we can with love and affection. I’ve enjoyed this wander down memory lane as I hope the viewers will.”
Conley commented: “I am delighted to be hosting this look back at the longest running TV sitcom in the world. Getting the chance to share all the amazing stories, the fun, the laughter, and above all the love, was a real honour.”
The recent EastEnders alum had previously guest starred in an episode of Last of the Summer Wine in 2008, playing Boothroyd in the season 29 premiere, titled Enter the Finger.
Now, he’s delving further into the show’s world in a retrospective that will unearth photos, scripts and scrapbooks from Sir Clarke’s “personal archives,” as well as surviving materials from relatives of the main cast.
Commissioner Jason Dawson explained: “Six decades since it began, our viewers are still utterly devoted to Last of the Summer Wine.
“We’re honoured to have Sir Roy Clarke, Brian Conley and the brilliant producers at Phil McIntyre working with us to celebrate and reward that devotion with this wonderful film.”
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Producer Lindsay Jex added: “It’s been a real treat to make this film. Not only having the opportunity to work with Sir Roy Clarke, but spending time with the local community of Holmfirth.
“Family and friends of the show’s cast and crew have very kindly gone into their lofts and garages to dig out a treasure trove of family photos, scripts, props and behind-the-scenes footage.”
The Last Drop of Summer Wine joins the growing nostalgic strand of UKTV output, which also includes Becoming Victoria Wood and Open All Hours: Inside Out as well as the forthcoming Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive and Joe & David’s Magical Sitcom Tour.
The Last Drop of Summer Wine is coming to U&Gold in 2027.
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