with the BBC "slightly embarrassed of their 'safe and cosy' sitcom but one which still commanded strong audience figures". Several scripts for a proposed Series Ten were submitted, but in the end the series "simply wasn't renewed". During filming of Series Nine, Terry Scott commented that he felt the programme's format had started to become tired and that he was keen to do something new. In 2004, it came 73rd in Britain's Best Sitcom, jointly with Happy Ever After. In The Listener at the end of its run it was described, not unaffectionately, by Andy Medhurst as "a Macmillanite sitcom" to which Thatcherism was as alien as socialism. Cast Main characters Terry Scott – Terence 'Terry' Medford June Whitfield – June Medford Reginald Marsh – Sir Dennis Hodge Terence Alexander – Malcolm Harris (series 1 and 2) Tim Barrett – Malcolm Harris (1980 Special to series 7) John Quayle – Malcolm Harris (series 8 and 9) Rosemary Frankau – Beattie Harris Joanna Henderson – Miss Nora Fennell (series 3 to 5; 8 to 9) Recurring characters Roland Curram – Brian Pillbeam (series 1) Anita Graham – Tina Pillbeam (series 1 and 2) John Warner – The Rev. Austin Doyle (series 1, 3 to 5; 7 to 9) Allan Cuthbertson – Tarquin Spry (series 3 to 6) Joan Benham – Melinda Spry (series 3) Diana King – Melinda Spry (series 4 to 6) Roger Martin – Alan Medford (series 2, 3, 5 and 9) Patsy Smart – Miss Lavinia Dingle (series 7 and 8) Evie Garratt – Miss Dunwiddy (series 9) Plot The series starts as middle-class couple Terry and June Medford prepare to move into 26 Elmtree Avenue in Purley, Surrey. They are in their late-40s, and have a daughter named Wendy, who is married to Roger; both are rarely seen. Terry's nephew, Alan Medford, pays occasional visits where he always causes some form of trouble. Terry can be headstrong and determined, but often as a result of his childlike enthusiasm getting the better of him, and his plans and schemes normally end in disaster. June, meanwhile, is patient of her husband, but frequently doubtful about his ideas and often acts as the voice of reason and common sense, although this often falls upon deaf ears. Terry works for "Playsafe Fire Extinguishers and Appliances", and his boss is Malcolm Harris. In a continuity error his surname is sometimes referred to