Distinct Nostalgia

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageA 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 ...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageAshley'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, m...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageWe’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...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageGeorge 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 s...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageA 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 reminis...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageKaren Grassle who played Caroline celebrates 50 years since the launch in 1974 of Little House onThe 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 co...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageWhy 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 o...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageShe 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 tell...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageA 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...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageRoyston 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 legend...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageRoyston 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 ...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageA 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 househ...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageIt 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 Cole...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageYou 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 SinnottJane: Gerry Johnson. Sound Editor: John Fryett Producer:Janice Fryett.Written by David PayneA Spinney Media Production for Made in Manchester Productions and Distinct NostalgiaDistinct Nostalgia cos...

Let us know what you think of the latest episode of Distinct Nostalgia by clicking here and sending us a messageHe 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 situati...