From EastEnders to The Muppet Show: The Elstree Centre programmes

General Hospital (ATV)

Yes, there was a time when ITV went off the air in the afternoon. No endless re-runs of Midsomer Murders or gutter-level ‘debate shows’. It wasn’t until 1972 that ITV decided to give television viewers the option to stay tuned throughout the afternoons. With more hours on air they had to find more programmes to fill the slots, General Hospital was one such show. The twice-weekly goings-on at The Midland General, like Emergency Ward 10 before it, followed the lives and loves of the staff at the medical complex with patients and their storylines playing out in second place of importance.

Despite being set in a Midland town the series was produced from 1972 through to 1979 at Elstree. The exterior is also partly used as the hospital buildings. The show’s top star was Tony Adams as Dr Neville Bywaters.

The Muppet Show (ATV)

The Muppets were given their own show in 1976 by ATV after the American networks turned down creator Jim Henson’s idea for an evening entertainment show. Bosses in the states felt that The Muppets were more for children rather than a family audience.

Lord Lew Grade however saw the potential and soon Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear were entertaining millions of ITV viewers. Set in a music hall theatre The Muppets would perform songs and sketches to their Muppet audience. A host of star names also guest starred including Elton John and Roger Moore. The show was produced in the UK until 1981.