Mr Digby Darling

Mr Digby Darling

1969 - United Kingdom

Mr Digby, Darling reunited Peter Jones and Sheila Hancock, two of the most popular characters from the hit sitcom The Rag Trade as well as bringing together again Jones with writers Ken Hoare and Mike Sharland, who had scripted Beggar My Neighbour

Hancock (wife of actor John Thaw) plays Thelma Teesdale, Personal Assistant to Roland Digby, the PR manager for pesticide manufacturers Rid-O-Rat. She is totally devoted to him. From the time he arrives in the office in the morning until the time he leaves in the evening she caters for his every need; providing a cooked breakfast for him (in a stove hidden in his office filing cabinet), darning his socks and providing him with slippers so he can work in comfort. 

Thelma pulls out all the stops in the vain, and ultimately doomed hope, that he will respond to her advances but alas, he remains totally oblivious. For Digby, the office becomes home-from-home and is a welcome escape from a domineering wife (the unseen Eleanor) and his three children whose names he can never remember (they are in fact Dominic, Robin and Gwendolyn). But it is only due to Thelma's heroic efforts that the incompetant Digby manages to survive in the cut-throat business world. 

Impressionist Janet Brown and Michael Bates (It Ain't Half Hot Mum, Last Of The Summer Wine) appeared in later episodes and the series ran for 3 seasons, switching to colour from episode 4 of series 2.

Published on January 8th, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Gavin & Stacey

In a 21st century where the British sitcom is at a low in both brilliance and output, Gavin & Stacey is one of the very few that proved that mainstream comedy can be both well written and appeal to a mass audience.

Also tagged British Sitcom

The Flaxton Boys

This fondly remembered epic children’s drama created by Sid Waddell, set over four series, each featuring a different generation of the Flaxton boys, was inspired by a lunch-time meeting in a pub and an offer that an upcoming writer couldn't refuse.

Also released in 1969

My Son Rueben

A middle-aged man, still living at home with his mother, is completely under her thumb.

Also tagged British Sitcom

The Fossett Saga

Victorian comedy series starring Jimmy Edwards as James Fossett, a writer of "penny dreadfuls"

Also released in 1969

A Sharp Intake of Breath

Either trying to book a holiday or a doctor appointment, life seems to hand Peter Barnes more than his fair share of frustration.

Also tagged British Sitcom

Judge Dee TV series

Ancient Chinese detective stories written in English by a modern Dutch diplomat.

Also released in 1969

Vicar of Dibley

Sitcom set in the fictional village of Dibley, which is assigned a female vicar, much to the consternation of the Chairman of the Parish Council.

Also tagged British Sitcom

Gerald Harper as Hadleigh

Super smoothy Gerald Harper starred as James Hadleigh, a former civil servant became the squire of the manor.

Also released in 1969