Slinger’s Day

Slinger’s Day – 1986

Tripper’s Day had come to a natural end after the death of Leonard Rossiter.

However despite being panned by the critics ITV decided to revive it.  This time with Bruce Forsyth taking the lead, as a different character to Rossiter, but fulfilling the same role, that of the manager of a London supermarket with largely incompetent staff.

Again produced by Thames Television and created by Brian Cooke, the show ran for twelve episodes over two series.

Whilst Tripper’s Day was written entirely by Brian Cooke he would only write two of the twelve episodes for Slinger’s day, with others penning the remaining ten.

Slinger’s Day was noted for being Bruce Forsyth’s only ever sitcom role.

Summary

Cecil Slinger  is assigned by the Supafare supermarket chain as the new manager in the branch that had previously been run by Norman Tripper.

Just like his predecessor, Slinger is forced to manage a supermarket branch that employs possibly the worst staff in the world: Mr. Christian, the cheerful but naive shop assistant; Fred, a lazy, alcoholic and inept security guard; Hardie, the union shop steward; as well as Higgins, Hardie’s assistant of sorts, secretary Sylvia and the young female checkout cashier Dottie.

The Fred character replaces Alf, a character in Tripper’s Day.  In series two Sylvia is replaced by Miss Foster and Dottie by Shirley .

Clips

Cast

Bruce Forsyth – Cecil Slinger
Phillip Bird – Hardie
David Kelly – Fred
Paul Clarkson – Mr Christian
Liz Crowther – Sylvia (series 0ne)
Suzanne Church – Miss Foster (series two)
Vicky Licorish – Dottie (series one)
Jacqueline De Peza – Shirley (series two)
Andrew Paul – Higgins (series one)
Charlie Hawkins  – Colin Wilkins (series 2)

Details

Channel: ITV
Created By: Brian Cooke
Written By:
Brian Cooke
Vince Powell
Alex Shearer
Ian Davidson
Peter Vincent
Andrew Marshall
David Renwick
Produced By: Thames Television for ITV
Original Transmission Dates: 3rd September 1986 – 14th October 1987