CLASSIC EPISODE OF THE LIKELY LADS BACK ON
TELEVISION AFTER 35 YEARS, THANKS TO KALEIDOSCOPE
An episode of the classic sixties sitcom The Likely Lads, titled "The Last of the Big Spenders", was seen on British television for the first time in over 35 years, thanks to the efforts of Kaleidoscope.
Our team of researchers discovered the print in a private collection and negotiated with its owner for the eventual safe return of the episode to the BBC archives. We are thrilled to report that, such was the significance of this find for the BBC, that they chose to screen it on terrestrial television as a high-profile opening to their ongoing Treasure Hunt campaign, a concerted search for other long-lost television classics.
The Likely Lads was one of the best-loved comedy series of the 1960s, making immediate stars of James Bolam and Rodney Bewes, and establishing writers Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais as among the first rank of British comedy's creative talents. Such was the popularity of the series that it spawned a sequel, Whatever Happened to The Likely Lads? in the seventies, as well as a feature film.
News of the returned episode delighted series co-star Rodney Bewes: "I am chuffed to bits that this has turned up and will be shown again. It will be a bit of nostalgia for some and new experience for a whole new generation. I wish we could find some of the other programmes that are lost but this is a start."
"The Last of the Big Spenders", first broadcast on 7th July 1965, had its welcome repeat screening on BBC2 on Wednesday 30th May 2001, 19:30 - 20:00 BST.
Have you got old television recordings in your private collection, up in the attic or out in the garden shed? If so, then the BBC's Treasure Hunt campaign wants to hear from you!
Kaleidoscope - The Classic Television Organisation
