Telly Today: From Penelope Keith to Jason Manford

TV picks for Saturday, January 27th…

Between 1979 and 1981, up to 24 million viewers were glued to their televisions for a sitcom that centred around the very British subject of class. Starring Dame Penelope Keith and Peter Bowles, this hysterical comedy followed the fortunes of upper-crust Audrey fforbes-Hamilton, forced to sell her manor house to self-made grocer Richard De Vere.

This 90-minute special features a brand-new interview with Dame Penelope Keith, along with co-stars, crew and celebrity fans.

The programme hears the story of the sitcom, the backstage secrets, and learns how the show went from a cheap radio pilot to a smash hit comedy series. Featuring classic clips and never-before-seen behind-the-scenes archive footage, the show is packed with unmissable moments as the aristocracy meets trade and ultimately an unlikely couple fall in love.

Along with Dame Penelope, the show features interviews with Sarah Beeny, Lady Carnarvon, Gyles Brandreth, Rula Lenska and Michael Cochrane. Sadly leading co-star Peter Bowles passed away in March 2022.

Channel 5, 9.20 pm

Jason Manford hosts a glittering musical celebration on BBC One with spectacular performances and special guests including Beverley Knight, Nicole Scherzinger and Alfie Boe. Filmed in front of an audience of 12,000 at Manchester’s AO Arena, twelve of the UK’s West End and touring productions perform much-loved songs and exciting exclusives.

Daniel Mays takes to the stage with Guys & Dolls, Alfie Boe returns to Les Misérables for a special one-off performance, and Beverley Knight performs with some of the next generation of musical theatre stars. Plus, Broadway sensation Hadestown present a UK television exclusive ahead of its West End debut.

Also featured are show-stopping numbers from the casts of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, Disney’s Aladdin, A Chorus Line, Grease The Musical, and Mrs Doubtfire the Musical. Performances from The Wizard of Oz, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton complete the line up.

BBC One, 7.50 pm