Bottle Boys, 1984
A forgotten gem or a turkey? ITV sitcom from the London Weekend Television stables.
Running for two series between 1984 and 1985 it seemed to have everything going for it. London Weekend had produced their fair share of classics over the years, Robin Askwith was an established comedy actor and even the writer had good form. However despite this the series acquired something of a reputation as one of the worst British sitcoms ever .
Writing in the Radio Times guide to comedy, writer/critic Mark Lewisohn observed that “ITV sitcoms had often plumbed the depths, but this was the limit”, and also noted that Bottle Boys was reputedly despised by comedy executives at ITV. It was Mark Lewisohn who described Bottle Boys as his “worst ever” British sitcom.
The part of Dave Deacon was originally created for Jim Davidson, but unfortunately he was just starting out with Up The Elephant And Round The Castle, so wasn’t available.
Despite it’s critics Bottle Boys ran for two series between 1984 and 1985, clocking up thirteen episodes along the way.
Summary
The series followed the exploits of football mad milkman Dave Deacon.
As well as his amorous adventures the character was also embroiled in more off-the-wall exploits, and found himself at various points in the series dressing up as a cow, inadvertently engaged to Sharon the secretary, and meeting then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (played by an actor, naturally).
Clips
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Cast
Robin Askwith – Dave Deacon
David Auker – Billy Watson
Oscar James – Joe Phillips
Phil Mc Call – Jack Collins
Richard Davies – Stan Evans
Eve Ferret – Sharon Armstrong
Patrick Newell – Mr Dawson
Lee Dolan – Wilf Foley
Details
Channel: ITV
Created By: Vince Powell
Original Transmission Dates: 1st September 1984 – 24th August 1985