Distinct Nostalgia

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Sadly we've lost another tv and film great. Kenneth Cope has died at the age of 93. And here we have an interview he did with Ashley a few years ago. Much of this has never been broadcast before. Ken talks about being one of the early stars of Coronation Street. working with David Frost on That Was the Week That Was, his time in the Carry Ons, Randall and Hopkirk Deceased and his huge career in British film and TV. Ashley says: 'Kenneth Cope was prolific. A huge talent. Never thought of himself as a star but he was quite simply one of the best. I loved chatting to Ken. Hope you enjoy!' RIP Kenneth Cope 1931-1924. Researched by Andrew Edwards. Produced by Ashley Byrne. A Made in Manchester Production And don't forget we need your support. Distinct Nostalgia has no budget. You can buy us a coffee by clicking this link. buymeacoffee.com/distinctnostalgia Support the show Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message We're sad to hear the news that Brian Trueman has died at the aged of 92. Brian provided the soundtrack to so many characters of our childhoods, whether as a writer or actor. His work with Cosgrove Hall Films included Chorlton and the Wheelies, Dangermouse, Cockleshell Bay and Jamie and the Magic Torch. But he had a career before helping to bring to life these animation classics - in acting, in journalism too. Here in an interview recorded in 2016, we hear Brian being interviewed for a special radio doc by Made in Manchester (Distinct Nostalgia's producers) which was never aired. We've only found half of it and will put the second part as soon as we find it. In the meantime enjoy over an hour with one of the real greats of Television. Distinct Nostalgia presenter Ashley Byrne says: 'Brian memorably once said to me in a Granada TV programme we made 'you should never patronise kids. Treat them like little adults and throw the smarties high.' That comes over in all of his animation work. RIP Brian. You were a genuine legend for millions of us. Researched by Andrew Edwards. Produced by Ashley Byrne. A Made in Manchester Production And don't forget we need your support. Distinct Nostalgia has no budget. You can buy us a coffee by clicking this link. buymeacoffee.com/distinctnostalgia Support the show

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A special re-issuing of Rock, by Tim Fountain in tribute to the veteran actor Bette Bourne who has died at the age of 84. An excellent performance in this drama produced by DN producers' Made in Manchester as Bette plays Henry Wilson, Hollywood actor Rock Hudson's notorious agent. Bette has played lots of legendary characters over the years including Quentin Crisp in Tim's other play 'Resident Alien'. If you've not heard this before, hope you enjoy! (Warning: contains strong language and some words and terms reflective of the time that some people mind find offensive) Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Ashley's catching up with Roy North who was the actor who became Basil Brush's sidekick in the early to mid 70s on The Basil Brush Show. The show hosted by the wily old fox lasted from the late 60s til the early 80s and became a favourite of several generations of kids, parents and grandparents. Now Basil entertains the big kids often in theatres around the UK. Ever popular, most people love a bit of Basil. Certainly he was a favourite of Ashley as a kid. Sit back and enjoy this trip down memory lane as Roy tells us about his Basil days and beyond....and who knows Basil himself might just pop in.....Boom Boom. Researched by Andrew Edwards. Produced by Ashley Byrne. A Made in Manchester Production Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message We’ve been planning this for a while - and here they are by popular demand. Ronnie Le Drew with Zippy and George from the legendary kids tv series Rainbow. Ronnie chats to Ashley about the early years of Rainbow which started in 1972, how he became a firm fixture of the team and the enduring appeal of these wonderful characters from one of the UK’s favourite shows. Ashley also chats to Zippy and George to find out what they’ve been up to all these years - and there’s a surprise guest. Enjoy! Researched by Andrew Edwards. Produced by Ashley Byrne. A Made in Manchester Production Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message George Layton is prolific - he's done the lot - and he's still working in his early 80s. Both an actor and screenwriter, his career stretches from the early 50s and Children's Hour and working with Violet Carson (who played Ena Sharples in Coronation Street), through years as a star on shows like Doctor in the House and It Aint Half Hot Mum, via cameos on The Likely Lads and semi regular roles in Minder and more. He's also a big friend of Richard O'Sullivan, so we'll no doubt find out how he is. This is the first of a series of interviews we're sure as there's so much more to talk about with George who was also in EastEnders, Doctors, Casualty, French and Saunders (The list goes on)....plus there's all those scripts he's written or wanted to write. Enjoy! Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A very special interview here with Lord Grade (Michael Grade) whose fingerprints are all over British TV - from the days when his uncle Lew ran ATV to his own stewardship of LWT, BBC, Channel 4 and Later ITV again. Michael has launched (and axed) some of Britain's most popular TV shows. Here he takes Ashley through a whistle stop potted history of his career, stopping off to reminisce about his time at each of the Britain's terrestrial channels along the way. EastEnders, Neighbours, Mind Your Language, Dr Who, Jasper Carrot, Morecambe and Wise, The Big Breakfast, Four Weddings and a Funeral are just some of the iconic programmes and films that find their way into the chat. And Michael ends with his take on the state of British TV and broadcasting today. Enjoy! Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Karen Grassle who played Caroline celebrates 50 years since the launch in 1974 of Little House on The Prairie. The then new show from America would pull in huge audiences all around the world including in the UK where it had a prime time slot. Here Ashley talks to Karen about working with Michael Landon (which was fraught for a time), her child co stars who grew up during the course of the 9. year series and the impact making such a huge show had on her life. Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Why Don't You?! played to millions of kids in the school holidays on BBC1. It began in 1973 and lasted until 1995, meaning the show touched several generations over nearly a quarter of a century. Among the presenters Ant from Ant and Dec, among the producers - Russell T Davies but there were dozens more who cut their tv teeth on this show presented by children. Here Ashley meets one of them down at the Midland Hotel in Manchester - Phil Noble was in the Liverpool gang from 1987. Phil tells us how he landed the role, how the show worked behind the scenes and what it did for his life and other presenters who hosted WDY over the years. Ashley and Phil also talk about how the show was seen by kids - this was marmite TV, you literally either loved it loathed it. Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message She was the voice behind one of the most well loved kids series of the 70s. Gay Soper was the person who brought to life the world of The Flumps. Pootle, Perkin, Posie, Ma and Pa Flump and Grandpa Flump all became real characters thanks to her tremendously talented acting. But though kids of the 70s remember the Flumps fondly, there was actually only 13 episodes in total. Here Gay tells Ashley where The Flumps came from and how she came up with their voices, developed their characters and navigated a tremendously created script written by Julie Holder. Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A special interview and another real treat here for all fans of cult Australian drama series Prisoner Cell Block H. The show first aired twice a week down under in 1979 and quickly began pulling in huge figures. The big star from the start was the legendary Val Lehman who played the iconic Bea Smith. The character quickly became known as top dog or 'Queen Bea' for the way she ruled the roost in Wentworth Prison. In this episode of Distinct Nostalgia, Val tells Ashley how she landed the role which soon made her a household name in Australia and around the world. How much of Val is in Bea and Bea in Val? You decide.... Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Royston Mayoh was - and by reputation remains - one of the biggest names in British TV production. A writer and prolific director, Royston was involved with a plethora of top shows - This is Your Life, Opportunity Knocks, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Kenny Everett to name but a few. He started his career at ABC Television in Manchester and later worked or was associated with the legendary ITV Networks like Granada, Thames, Yorkshire and Tyne Tees. His new book 'Revelations of a TV Director' has just been published and this interview with Ashley at Royston's home in South Manchester is the perfect teaser. In Part Two, Royston tells Ashley about working with Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Barry Cryer, Billy Connolly, Hughie Green and Kenny Everett. Royston's book is available via Scratching Shed Publishing based in Leeds Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Royston Mayoh was - and by reputation remains - one of the biggest names in British TV production. A writer and prolific director, Royston was involved with a plethora of top shows - This is Your Life, Opportunity Knocks, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, Kenny Everett to name but a few. He started his career at ABC Television in Manchester and later worked or was associated with the legendary ITV Networks like Granada, Thames, Yorkshire and Tyne Tees. His new book 'Revelations of a TV Director' has just been published and this interview with Ashley at Royston's home in South Manchester is the perfect teaser. In Part One, Royston tells Ashley about how he got started followed by candid tales of directing This is Your Life. Part Two covering Kenny Everett, Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, The Tube and much more will be out soon. Royston's book is available via Scratching Shed Publishing based in Leeds Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A special interview and a real treat here for all fans of iconic Australian drama series Prisoner Cell Block H. The show first aired twice a week down under in 1979 and quickly began pulling in huge figures. One of the early stars was Collette Mann who played Doreen. Collette was in her late 20s at the time and it was the first big show she'd done. Within weeks she was a household name and couldn't go anywhere in Australia without being recognised. In this episode of Distinct Nostalgia, Collette tells Ashley what it was like working on such a ground breaking series with a huge female cast tackling some rich, raw and gritty storylines. Ashley also chats to Collette about her time on Neighbours, writing books and her recent baptism of fire doing Panto in the UK. Presented and produced by Ashley Byrne. Research by Andrew Edwards Continuity: Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs money and time to make and we'd welcome your support through Patreon. You can donate via the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message It was a legendary series and a character which Jon Pertwee made his own. Worzel Gummidge was loved by a generation of kids (and adults) in the late 70s and early 80s - and here we meet Jeremy Austin who played John - one of Worzel's little friends. John takes us back nearly half a century to the magical world he inhabited as a child for several summers with his co-star Charlotte Coleman (who played Sue) Playing brother and sister, they got to work with some of the biggest stars of TV and film. Jerry tells Ashley about Jon Pertwee's perfectionism, about the chemistry he had with Una Stubbs who played Aunt Sally - and he teaches us some Worzeleze along the way. We hear how the series only ended because Southern Television came to an end - and Jerry and Ashley give us their verdict on the BBC's recent re-incarnation of the classic character. Produced and Presented Ashley Byrne. Researched by Andrew Edwards. DN continuity - Andy Hoyle and Jonathan Kydd. The DN theme by Rebecca Applin and Chris Warner/Made in Manchester. A Made in Manchester Production. Distinct Nostalgia costs time and money to produce and we would welcome your support on Patreon. See the link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message You Had At Me Hello! by David Payne On an evening shift in her deadly dull call centre job, Natalie connects with a caller who turns her life upside down. Cast: Natalie: Sarah Sinnott Jane: Gerry Johnson. Sound Editor: John Fryett Producer:Janice Fryett. Written by David Payne A Spinney Media Production for Made in Manchester Productions and Distinct Nostalgia Distinct Nostalgia costs in time and money and we'd greatly welcome your support via Patreon. See link below. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message He was everyone’s loveable layabout. Shelley played by Hywell Bennett was huge, pulling in massive viewing figures in the 70s and 80s. Very much of its time, when unemployment soared in the early years of Thatcher’s government, Shelley (produced by Thames Television) kicked back against authority and with his sardonic wit captivated millions going through the same situation. But amazingly the series has stood the test of time and Shelley’s often intelligent monologue ramblings would probably work today. Here Belinda Sinclair, who played Shelley’s partner Fran talks about landing the role and how it was nearly someone else playing Shelley. Belinda talks candidly about working with Hywell Bennett and Josephine Tewson - and how the role changed her life. She also talks about her soap role in ch5’s Family Affairs. And there’s plenty of interviews and reunions plus new comedy and drama to come in coming months on Distinct Nostalgia. So keep checking for new shows. DN is produced by Ashley Byrne and researched by Andrew Edwards. It’s a Made in Manchester Production. DN costs time and money to produce and we’d welcome your support to keep things going via Patreon. Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Barry Evans was a huge star in the 60s, 70s and 80s. One of the heart-throbs of his day, he was recognisable to millions for his roles in several big ITV sitcoms like Doctor in the House and later as the teacher Mr Brown in the London Weekend hit Mind Your Language. But Barry kept himself to himself and was a very private figure. Little has ever really been said or written about him until now Here Ashley chat's to Daniel Ward who has just published a new book about Barry's life and death Across 75 minutes, they discuss his career, fame, personal life (it's emerged Barry was actually bisexual) and the circumstances surrounding what remains his suspicious death. For anyone who remembers Barry Evans, it's an intriguing chat. Daniel Ward's book is available price £19.99 from Fantom Publishing. www.fantompublishing.co.uk Distinct Nostalgia costs time and money to run. And we'd welcome support on Patreon. Click on the link below Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message A preview of some of the interviews and reunions lined up on Distinct Nostalgia for Christmas, New Year and early 2024. All this plus new comedy, new drama and the Distinct Nostalgia Mind of the Month Quiz ...all back by popular demand. Stay subscribed and you won't miss anything when it lands. You can also follow the latest news on our releases on X at @distinctbyMIM And please do drop us a line if you've an idea for an interview, reunion or special documentary. Email info@madeinmanchester.tv Distinct Nostalgia costs time and money to run. And we'd welcome support on Patreon. Support the show Support the Show.

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a message Christmas Sitcom Special: 'Re-inventing Christmas' The girls are preparing for Christmas and ponder what would happen if Jesus was born in the UK today, while side-swiping at modern inventions that they see as old hat. Lindsay Eavis as Florrie Janice Fryett as Dotty Written by Janice Fryett. Editor: John Fryett. A Spinney Audio Production for Distinct Nostalgia. This year Lindsay has appeared on TV in The Bay and Documentary Now as well as northern stages and the current Northern Rail advert and Janice has appeared in Emmerdale and The Archers and pushed a cheese trolley while shouting about cheese in the BBC Eurovision trailer. She is also in the current Greggs advert, sniffing coffee. Coming soon, a new season of docs, interviews, reunions, comedy and drama. Keep listening. Distinct Nostalgia costs time and money to run. And we'd welcome support on Patreon. Support the Show.