The Gaffer, 1981
In Tribute To Bil Maynard Who Died 30th March 2018, aged 89
After a lack of success with Selwyn (sequel to Oh No, It’s Selwyn Froggitt!), Bill Maynard’s next character could not have been any different from that of bumbling Selwyn Froggitt.
In The Gaffer Maynard plays Fred Moffatt owner of a struggling engineering firm, but unlike Selwyn Frogitt, Fred Mofatt is a survivor – but only just.
The series was written by businessman Graham White. Produced for ITV by Yorkshire Television the series ran for twenty episodes over three series between 1981 and 1983.
Despite it’s success many fans felt that the show came to a rather abrupt end.
Perhaps this was because it was rumoured that during the making of series three, the show’s creator Graham White protested that Maynard kept changing his scripts too much, thus causing a rift between the two and so a planned fourth series (for 1984) was cancelled. However as far we know this has never been verified.
Summary
Fred Moffatt runs a struggling engineering firm.
Supported by his secretary Betty, he spends his time between, trying to avoid his creditors, the tax man, the bank manager, and indeed anyone who might want him to pay for anything,.
Then there’s Harry, his radical union shop steward whose interest is in parting Moffatt from as much money as possible to better pay his members.
By the third and final series Moffatt is elected to the local council, extending his struggles to local politics.
But, disgruntled with the losing battle he was fighting, in the final episode (“Goodbye”) at the end of the season Moffatt ups sticks, sells off the business to his employees and emigrates to Australia to make a new start, only to return and take back the business after having attended his son Spencer’s wedding.
Clips
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Cast
Bill Maynard – Fred Moffatt
Russell Hunter – Harry
Pat Ashton – Betty
David Gillies – Ginger
Don Crann – Charlie
Keith Marsh – Henry
Chris Langham – Spencer Moffatt (from series 2)
Details
Channel: ITV
Written By: Graham White
Produced By: Yorkshire Television for ITV
Original Transmission Dates: 9th January 1981 – 5th July 1983
Where To Watch
All 3 series are available on DVD from Network DVD individually or as part of a complete series box set. Sadly at the time of this post the series does not appear on any of the major streaming services.
DVD Review
I remember this when it was on TV, and watching the DVD’s brought back memories. From the clapped out old Rover car to his scheming and dodging, this is real laugh out loud comedy with loads of Bill Maynard moments in. If you’ve never seen The Gaffer buy the box set you’ll love it.