Happy Birthday, Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads, 50 Years Old Today!
It was 50 years ago today, on the 9th January 1973, that after seven years Likely Lads Bob Ferris and Terry Collier returned to TV screens with a new colour TV series, Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?
Strangers On A Train was the opening episode of the new series, set 5 years after the original series and sees Bob and Terry re-united. Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads would run for two series ending with a special festive edition in December 1974.
Of course writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais would have another success later this same year, another story for another time.
Summary
Bob and Terry find themselves reunited by chance, after five years, aboard a homeward-bound train. Unfortunately for Bob, he inadvertently becomes stranded at Doncaster Railway Station, with fiancée Thelma waiting for him on the platform at Newcastle.
Clips
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Starring
Rodney Bewes – Bob Ferris
James Bolam – Terry Collier
Details
Channel: BBC1
Written By: Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais
Original transmission Date: 9th January 1973
What Happened To The Likely Lads?
Two years after the series finished there was a feature film. For many years stories have circulated about a press interview given at the time by Rodney Bewes that lead to a falling out with his co-star. The rift was never healed. Both actors went on to have their own separate careers.
James Bolam now aged 87 is still with us, sadly we lost Rodney Bewes in 2017.
Where to Watch
The series is streamed on Britbox UK/ITV X Premium. There is also a DVD box set available containing all surviving episodes of the original series and both series of Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads?