Lucky Feller

Lucky Feller

1976 - United Kingdom

Convinced that he could find a starring vehicle that would make his 'discovery' David Jason a household name in Britain (see review of The Top Secret Life of Edgar Briggs), producer Humphrey Barclay invited Terence Frisby ('There's A Girl In My Soup') to write a 13-episode sitcom that would be tailor made for the actor's talents. In the series Jason plays Shorty Mepstead, a South-East Londoner who lives at home with his mum (Pat Heywood) and brother, Randolph (Peter Armitage). 

The brothers, who run their own plumbing company, are like chalk and cheese, with Shorty being the shy and reserved type and Randolph being a confident 'lad' who has no problem 'pulling' the ladies. The problem for Shorty is that in the first episode Randolph 'pulls' Kath (Cheryl Hall), who he is in love with. However, by the end of the series the 'lucky feller' gets his girl. The Stage reviewed the series on its debut with the prophetic statement that, 'Somewhere there is a writer whose idea's Mr Jason can execute to great effect - but they have not met yet.'

Published on December 31st, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Gangsters tv series

Hard hitting crime drama series inspired by the movie The French Connection.

Also released in 1976

Only Fools and Horses

South London wheeler dealer and his hapless brother try to make ends meet with schemes and dodgy deals.

Also tagged Only Fools And Horses

Butterflies TV series

Gently thoughtful, amusing and well observed eighties situation comedy series for the BBC about a seemingly ordinary, contented, middle class suburban housewife who suddenly find herself plunged into the middle of a disorienting, emotionally tumultuous, mid-life crisis.

Also tagged Britcom

Billy Liar

Adapted from the highly successful novel/play/film by successful writing team Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, this version of Billy Liar was updated by them to make it more relevant to the early 1970s.

Also tagged Britcom

Dear John

Meet John Lacey, a forty-something language teacher at a Comprehensive School. He has everything; a steady job, nice house, beautiful wife, loving son and a car. Until one day he gets home from work and finds a letter from his wife informing him that their relationship is over...

Also tagged Only Fools And Horses

John Sullivan

As the writer of one of Britain's all-time favourite sitcoms, John Sullivan joined a unique group of scriptwriters, whose names became almost as well-known as their television creations.

Also tagged Only Fools And Horses

Hark at Barker

Ronnie Barker starred in this sitcom as Lord Rustless, an ageing but perennial scatterbrain.

Also tagged David Jason

Hello Cheeky

Long running radio comedy transferred to television

Also released in 1976

Curry and Chips

Poorly received sitcom by Johnny Speight who attempted (and many would say failed) to highlight the stupidity of racism.

Also tagged Britcom