Downton Abbey debuted in 2010, establishing itself as a cherished series that spanned six seasons plus two earlier movies.
The conclusion served as a tribute to Dame Maggie Smith, who passed away aged 89 last September.
Her character, The Dowager Countess, was written off by her death in the 2022 picture, Downton Abbey: A New Era, though her memory was celebrated in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Michelle Dockery has addressed the ending of the final Downton Abbey(Image: Nick Briggs/Carnival Films)
As the finale wrapped up with an emotional ending, following Lady Mary as a divorcee and single mother overcoming scandal, viewers saw visions of the family and servants dancing together with Violet Crawley, with the camera resting on a portrait of Dame Maggie.
However, Michelle has now revealed there were alternate endings in mind.
She told The Hollywood Reporter: “There were a couple of versions of the ending. There was another version where you saw Mary go back to work, she goes into the library and she sits at her desk.
“They decided to end it on the tribute to Maggie, which I think is the best ending. I always felt that it was the right way to finish.
Dame Maggie Smith as Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey(Image: ITV)
“[Mary, Cora and Robert] are saying their goodbyes and I think that’s for the audience – this feeling of moving on and saying farewell to each other.”
She added: “It feels quite hopeful. I also like that at the end of this story, Mary ends up as a single woman. There’s a new chapter ahead of her, she’s happier, and she’s excited to take the reins and become the lady of the house. It’s the end, but it feels like it’s ongoing.”
Creator Julian Fellowes previously spoke about dedicating the film to Dame Maggie: “I think we all felt that if there was a third film, we wanted it to be haunted by Maggie.
Downton Abbey came to an end with a third and final film(Image: AP)
“There is a theme of Maggie going through the film, and then at the end, you see her when Mary is having all her flashbacks. I like that. She was an iconic figure … And that’s another reason to finish.”
He added: “I think the actors had had enough – in the nicest way, there were a lot of good friendships and we’ll always meet as members of the Downton club … But I also feel that, in life, you must know when to let go of things, whether it’s professional or romantic or anything else.
“There is a moment when you think, ‘It’s time to bring this to an end.’ And I felt that about the show.”
The BBC series initially appeared on television screens in 2012 before making its comeback in 2016 for a second run, drawing inspiration from William Shakespeare’s theatrical works.
One perfect 10/10 review on IMDb bore the headline “Superb production” with the viewer revealing: “When I was at school, Shakespeare was as dry as the pages it was written on.
“To watch it, performed by actors who really know and understand Shakespeare, and can convey that in their work, is to enter a world of majesty, of subtle innuendo, of humour and of total understanding of the work of the Shakespeare who used his gift to allow ‘the common man’ to discuss and understand the goings-on and political machinations of his age.
“There are no ‘spoilers’ when it comes to Shakespeare – the work is out there in a myriad of forms and interpretations, waiting to be read. This production is one of the best available.”
Dame Judi Dench starred in the historical epic(Image: BBC)
Another glowing 10/10 review headlined “Shakespeare Taken to Another Level” saw the fan confess they weren’t “expecting this level of pure brilliance” and declared they were “totally immersed” in the programme. Adding: “Somehow this production has defied all the odds and managed to tick all the boxes.
“And can I say, I’m loving the portrayal of the women as strong, intelligent individuals, who, more often than not, appear to be better at scheming and deceiving than any of their male counterparts. I hope some day, all Shakespeare will be made this way.”
A third viewer praised the programme for featuring “the flower of British acting” thanks to its stellar ensemble and remarked: “Arguably one of the very best screen adaptations of Shakespeare ever produced.
“They have pulled off what many have tried and failed to do: make good cinema out of the plays. The necessary realism is there, without detracting in any way from the source material.”
Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville appeared in the drama(Image: BBC)
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The Hollow Crown served as a BBC interpretation of Shakespeare’s historical dramas Richard II; Henry IV, Part 1; Henry IV, Part 2; Henry V, Henry VI, Part 1; Henry VI, Part 2; and Richard III.
The programme was split into seven episodes across two series, with each chapter focusing on one of the Bard’s works.
The Hollow Crown brought to life the scheming and political battles of numerous medieval monarchs, featuring more backstabbing and manipulation than a Game of Thrones episode.
Additional performers who featured in the production included The Walking Dead’s David Morrisey, Dame Judi Dench, Sophie Okenedo, Julie Walters, Tom Hiddleston, Anton Lesser, John Hurt, Tom Sturridge, Sally Hawkins, Keeley Hawes and Adrian Dunbar, amongst many others.
The Hollow Crown is streaming on Prime Video for a fee
The acclaimed novel was turned into a groundbreaking series
The BBC series was groundbreaking (Image: BBC)
A period piece based on an acclaimed novel is now streaming and a must watch for any fans of costume dramas.
Audience members have praised the limited series on IMDb, with one user giving a 10/10 review and the title: “A skilled adaptation of an extraordinary novel”.
A second person titled their review “sublime” and said: “The BBC has done it again: this is a wonderful production of a very good book, and they have done it up in style.”
Another person heaped praised on the programme: “The sets and costumes are flawless, the direction is stylish and the characters are likeable. There is a fair amount of humor [sic] but it has surprisingly dark interludes. The protagonist is really a tragic figure, but not devoid of happiness.”
They added: “The BBC have made some wonderful productions in the past, and this adventurous period piece only confirms their standard of excellence on all fronts.”
Hugh Bonneville featured in the BBC series (Image: BBC)
A fourth commented: “This wonderful 3 part BBC production is one of the sweetest love stories that I have seen in a while.”
They went on to say: “The characters are well defined and very believable. I guess this is a by-product of a good adaptation from a well written novel.”
Tipping the Velvet aired on the BBC in 2022, based on Welsh author Sarah Waters 1998 debut novel of the same name.
The three-part series saw Pride and Prejudice and The Fortunes and Misfortunes of Moll Flanders screenwriter Andrew Davies overseeing the scripts.
Tipping the Velvet was set in the Victorian era and followed the sexual awakening of Whitstable native Nan Astley (played by Rachael Stirling) after she headed to the big smoke of London and fell in love with male impersonator Kitty Butler (Keeley Hawes).
The pair embarked on a passionate romance as Nan funded her life in London, before the pair form an onstage double-act.
Rachael Stirling and Keeley Hawes starred in the BBC period drama (Image: BBC)
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The series was a coming-of-age tale with moments of humour and darkness with a bawdy twist.
Tipping the Velvet featured a stellar cast, including Four Weddings and a Funeral star Anna Chancellor, Game of Thrones’ Jodhi May, Oscar nominee Sally Hawkins, Line of Duty’s Daniel Mays, Downton Abbey favourite Hugh Bonneville, Monica Dolan of Appropriate Adult fame, and even a turns from Doctor Stranger star Benedict Cumberbatch, Johnny Vegas and Alexei Sayle.
Both the TV series and novel have had a positive impact on the depiction of queer characters on screen and led to more LGBTQIA+ stories to be told onscreen.
Previously reflecting on the success of her novel and the subsequent BBC adaptation, author Waters wrote at length about it in 2018, marking the book’s 20th anniversary.
She explained in The Guardian how she was “thrilled” by the reception among the queer community but the success among straight readers “took me by surprise”.
Waters also pondered on whether she’d write a sequel and would focus on Kitty.
Tipping the Velvet is available to stream on Prime Video for a fee
The period drama series is a hidden gem worth watching
The show gave a fresh spin on Pride and Prejudice(Image: ITV)
Are you a die-hard fan of Jane Austen adaptations but think you’ve seen them all? Think again, because there’s one gem that might have escaped your notice.
Airing back in 2008 on ITV, this four-part limited series offers a unique twist on the classic Pride and Prejudice tale, reports the Express.
Armchair critics and fans on IMDb have been heaping praise on the miniseries. One user left a glowing 10/10 rating, saying: “I am utterly captivated by this refreshing take on Austen. I used to love romantic periodical novels when much younger, but they have since fallen out of favour with me, as they are all so alike. Here I am quite unaware, as of yet, what may happen and I absolutely adore the suspense.
“The actors are well chosen for their task and I am quickly falling in love with them one by one. I never thought I would see Mr Bingley as adorable, but in this it is quite so.”
Another enthusiast gave a perfect score too, commenting: “Three episodes in and I feel now is the time to say a big well done to all concerned. As a long time Austen lover and a fan of period/costume drama I was unsure what to expect from this reworking of a favourite story.”
“As others have commented this bears similarities with ‘Life on Mars’, a person taken out of modern day life and deposited into the past, albeit Jane Austen’s fictitious one.”
Meanwhile, another viewer remarked: “The mini series was absolutely sweet and funny and it will be appreciated by real Jane Austen fanatics.
“It does resemble the weirdest dream that only authors of fan fiction have had. At times the plot lines turn into silly situations but for most of the time they are quite enjoyable.
The show is a love letter to Pride and Prejudice(Image: ITV)
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“The young actors make the most of it. I wish response has been better so that the series can be longer.”
A fourth viewer rated the programme a perfect 10/10, dubbing their review “Brilliant!”.
They penned: “I just watched the whole thing. I hadn’t even realized it was a mini-series, I simply got the DVD from netflix and popped it in. It didn’t offer me the option to select episodes, it just played the whole thing as one big movie.
“One big, wonderful, delightful film! I haven’t enjoyed a film this much in years. It was a complete treat. I love Pride & Prejudice; I’ve read the book, and seen most (maybe all? ) of the screen adaptations, some multiple times.
“And I’m usually a bit of a purist, but I thought this might be fun, so I gave it a try. It well exceeded my expectations. I’m still aglow with enjoyment [sic].”
Lost in Austen is a cheeky homage to the celebrated author and her best-known novel Pride and Prejudice.
The show trails self-confessed Jane Austen enthusiast Amanda Price (portrayed by Jemima Rooper) residing in modern London during the Noughties.
The ITV series was a period drama with a twist(Image: ITV)
After a less than impressive proposal from her boyfriend, involving a makeshift wedding ring made from a can ring pull, Amanda finds herself mysteriously swapping places with Elizabeth Bennet (Gemma Arterton) and landing in the world of Pride and Prejudice through a door in her bathroom.
Amanda’s sudden arrival quickly throws the novel’s events into chaos, as she frantically tries to steer the plot back on track.
During Amanda’s escapades, she encounters Mr Darcy (Elliot Cowan), with the pair initially butting heads before sparks begin to fly.
Lost In Austen boasts a star-studded cast, including Downton Abbey’s Hugh Bonneville as Mr Bennet, Doctor Who’s Alex Kingston as Mrs Bennet, Grantchester’s Morven Christie as Jane Bennet, Suits actress Christina Cole as Caroline Bingley, and Tom Mison from Apple TV+’s See as Mr Bingley, among others.
Additional casting includes Lindsay Duncan as Lady Catherine de Bourgh, Guy Henry as Mr. William Collins, Michelle Duncan as Charlotte Lucas, Ruby Bentall as Mary Bennet, Pippa Haywood as Frankie, Amanda’s mother, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Pirhana, Amanda’s friend, Daniel Percival as Michael Dolan, Amanda’s boyfriend, and Genevieve Gaunt as Georgiana Darcy.
Lost in Austen is available to stream on Prime Video now
Downton Abbey is back for one final movie – with the likes of Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan and Joanne Froggatt all returning for the movie sequel
Downton Abbey has given fans a first look at the final movie trailer. The cast of the hit ITV show, which was turned into a movie franchise, is back for one last time – with many of the famous faces gracing out screens again.
Hugh Bonneville, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern and Paul Giamatti are all back for the movie alongside Penelope Wilton, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Laura Carmichael and Harry Hadden-Pato.
Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Robert James-Collier, Lesley Nicol and Sophie McShera complete the cast alongside Raquel Cassidy, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Dominic West, Arty Froushan, Joely Richardson and Douglass Reith.
Downton Abbey is back for one more hurrah
The grand finale of Downton Abbey will see the Crawley family and their staff navigate the 1930s. Mary is front and centre as she navigates a public scandal whilst the family face financial issues.
Elsewhere, the whole household struggles with the fall out as the family must face change as they prepare for a new chapter – but what does the family face and how will it all end for the Crawleys and their staff?
Simon Curtis has directed the movie, whilst creator Julian Fellowes has done the screenplay. He will also produce alongside Gareth Neame and Liz Trubridge and Nigel Marchant is executive producer.
Joanne – who plays Anna Bates – previously admitted it was going to be hard to say goodbye to her character for good.
The final film features all the fan favourites(Image: Universal Pictures/Youtube)
“Oh my goodness, it’s going to be hard! We’ve said goodbye a few times, thinking, ‘This is the end’, at the end of the seasons. Then we did one movie and we wondered if we’d get a second movie.
“This really is, the third and final, so this really is goodbye. It’s going to be emotional, but all good things must come to an end, I suppose,” she said.
Joanne also teased a “full circle” moment in the final film. She said: “We come to the core of the family and the servants, what the future will be and looking back at where the family have got to now. It’s a beautiful full-circle moment that it comes to at the end.
“There was a stage where reality TV came in and it was all the rage. There wasn’t much drama being made in the UK.
“That was sad but then eventually it came good again and Downton Abbey was one of the first shows to sort of bring back the eagerness for good drama. It’s been amazing to ride it all out and still be around to tell the tale.”
As Hugh Bonnevilee brings back the much-loved mockumentary character at the 2026 World Cup, writer John Morton says this is Ian’s ‘biggest opportunity yet to get things right’
Head of Values at the BBC Ian Fletcher (Hugh Bonneville) is now bound for the greatest stage in world football, where he’ll be Director of Integrity
He spent many years as the BBC’s Head of Values but WIA’s Ian Fletcher has now found himself a new role – at the heart of global football. In time for next year’s World Cup the character, played by Hugh Bonneville, is to become Director of Integrity, building on the skills he developed at the London Olympics.
His move to join the Twenty Twenty Six Oversight Team, based in Miami, is the basis of a new six-part series for BBC1 and iPlayer, from the team behind W1A and Twenty Twelve.
Next year’s FIFA World Cup tournament, hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, will see 48 countries taking part at 16 venues spread across North America.
He’s back! It’s been a while but Ian Fletcher is going to be ‘helping’ with the World Cup, from Miami. Somebody warn the Americans…(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
Announcing the new project, Ian Fletcher said: “I’m thrilled at the prospect of joining the Oversight Team in Miami for this unique event. And in terms of the Integrity role, to borrow a soccer analogy, this is a rare opportunity to set out your own goals and then score them on the global stage.”
As Paddington and Downton Abbey star Bonneville, 61, reprises his role as the jargon-obsessed boss, he will be joined by a new cast of characters including The Day of the Jackal’s Nick Blood and The Inbetweeners’ Belinda Stewart-Wilson.
The show’s writer and director John Morton said he was delighted that Ian was on his way back to the screen. “I wasn’t sure what Ian Fletcher had been up to recently. The last I heard he was still recovering from a serious Mindfulness Course in Somerset. So, it’s great to hear that he’s made it back and has re-emerged in his natural habitat at the centre of a well-known institution, but now on the world stage and facing his biggest opportunity yet to get things right.
“I’m thrilled and hugely grateful to the BBC for giving me the chance to follow him again, this time all the way to Miami, and I literally can’t wait to see what happens.”
WiA ran for three series from 2014 off the back of the original show, Twenty Twelve, proving a firm favourite with vieweres(Image: BBC/Jack Barnes)
BBC comedy boss Jon Petrie said: “We’ll miss Ian’s invaluable contribution to the BBC as Head of Values but how could he resist getting the call-up to be a part of one of the most expansive and ambitious sporting events in the world? We wish him, and the team, all the best.”
Executive producer Paul Schlesinger added: “It’s 15 years since Ian Fletcher’s journey started with the run-up to the London Olympics and we are delighted the BBC has given John another chance to capture the universal comedy of people trying to organise something really big in a room, but this time with an outstanding international cast.”
The rockumentary W1A was last seen in 2017, with the series revolving around Fletcher – formerly the Head of the Olympic Deliverance Commission in his role as the BBC’s Head of Values. His task at the Corporation was to clarify and re-define the core purpose of the BBC across all its functions and to position it confidently for the future.
He was previously flanked by Jessica Hynes, who won a Bafta for her role as BBC Brand Consultant Siobhan Sharpe – Head of Perfect Curve.
Other stars to feature regularly included Monica Dolan (senior communications officer Tracey Pritchard) and Jason Watkins as director of strategic governance Simon Harwood and Sarah Parish as Director of Better Anna Rampton.
Another summer of love begins, with Maya Jama reprising the helm of Love Island on ITV2 this week. Over on the BBC, however, another fan-favourite show is set for its own comeback.
From the box to streaming giants, plenty of shows for every taste are set for release this week(Image: ITV)
From gripping dramas and explosive rows to enlightening and thought-provoking shows, this week of TV is sure to pander to everyone.
Presenter Maya Jama is returning to screens this Monday, June 9, as she reprises hosting duties on ITV2‘s Love Island. Expect bombshells and surprises pairings ahead.
Streaming platforms also have plenty of choices this week, including Sir David Attenborough‘s love letter to the sea and Netflix‘s deep dive in Astroworld – the festival that spiralled out of control in 2021, triggering backlash against rap star Travis Scott.
Charlotte Spencer (right) and Hugh Bonneville reprise their roles in The Gold’s second season(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Tannadice Pictures/Cristina Ríos Bordón)
Hugh Bonneville and Charlotte Spencer team up as DCS Brian Boyce and DI Nicki Jennings for The Gold’s second season as their characters deal with the aftermath of the Brink’s-Mat robbery, in which £26 million worth of gold bullion, diamonds and cash were stolen from a warehouse.
Though some of the thieves were convicted, Brian and Nicki realise the criminals only had half of the stolen goods. The discovery triggers a high-stakes journey into organised crime and international money laundering as the police embark on a string of desperate manhunts to finally close the longest and most expensive investigation in the history of the Metropolitan Police.
Our Yorkshire Shop: A Victorian Restoration
Sunday, C4
This series takes viewers to the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, in the picturesque village of Masham – where a determined group of locals take on the ambitious challenge of restoring their village shop to its former Victorian glory.
With no previous experience in building restoration, villagers roll up their sleeves and learn on the job – from line plastering to fending off animal infestations.
Motivated by 94-year-old Elsie, their emotional anchor, the group are guided both in spirit and style, delivering a heartwarming celebration of local heritage.
Sir David Attenborough raises the alarm bell for our oceans (Image: Conor McDonnell)
Through stunning visuals and groundbreaking underwater footage, this film exposes destructive practices like bottom trawling and emphasises the urgent need for marine conservation.
Released ahead of the UN Ocean Conference, Ocean serves as a wake-up call and David’s most personal message yet. And it’s already become the highest-grossing film in the UK and Irish box-office, earning £570,000 on its opening weekend in cinemas.
Jamie Oliver shines a light on the real impact of education on neurodivergent children(Image: Jamie Oliver Productions)
Jamie’s Dyslexia Revolution
Monday, C4
Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver shares his personal journey with dyslexia in this compelling documentary as he takes a stand for neurodivergent children.
Highlighting the challenges faced by thousands of children with dyslexia in the UK, Jamie fiercely advocates for a more inclusive and supportive education system.
Through interviews with experts, educators, families and even familiar celebrity faces, the film sheds light on systemic issues affecting dyslexic children and calls for meaningful change to help them thrive academically and beyond.
Beth
Monday, C4
Written and directed by photographer and budding filmmaker Uzo Oleh, this tense three-part science-fiction thriller is Channel 4’s first-ever digital original drama.
Nicholas Pinnock and Abbey Lee star as Joe and Molly – a couple whose lives are upended when their newborn daughter, Imogen, bears no resemblance to her father.
What begins as a domestic drama spirals into paranoia, identity crises and eerie revelations as Joe’s world starts to unravel. Through their story, this hard-hitting show explores mistrust, modern parenthood and the fear that something has gone horribly wrong.
Maya Jama reprises hosting duties on Love Island(Image: ITV)
Maya Jama returns to host the twelfth season of the iconic ITV2 dating show, promising more drama, more bombshells, plenty of break-ups and even more make-ups in celebration of its tenth anniversary on screens.
Set at the iconic sun-soaked Mallorca villa, a fresh batch of singletons embark on a quest for love and a jaw-dropping £50k cash prize. Expect twists, turns, unexpected pairings and shock dumpings, cryptic Love Island lingo and more Casa Amor turmoil. Which couple will tackle the journey hand-in-hand? And who will call it quits?
Sean Bean stars as Thomas Cromwell in Shardlake(Image: Adrienn Szabo)
Shardlake
Monday, ITV
C.J. Samsom’s Tudor mystery novels come alive in this gripping four-part series. Arthur Hughes (The Innocents, The Archers) stars as brilliant barrister Matthew Shardlake, dispatched by Thomas Cromwell (Sean Bean) to investigate a murder at a remote monastery.
As secrets unravel, Matthew and his companion Jack Barak (Anthony Boyle) navigate an intricate web of lies and political intrigue – but can Matthew really trust his companion? With atmospheric settings and compelling performances, this period drama offers a fresh take on historical crime storytelling.
Peter Wright follows Britain’s longest-standing farmers on his new show(Image: Channel 5)
The Yorkshire Vet: At Home With the Greens
Tuesday, Channel 5
Yorkshire Vet star Peter Wright offers a heartwarming new glimpse into the lives of fan favourites Steve and Jean Green, known as Britain’s longest-standing farmers.
This spin-off series invites viewers beyond the surgery and into the farm, where the couple balance rural life with their passion for animals.
Expect tender moments, behind-the-scenes insights and the same down-to-earth charm that made the original series a staple for animal lovers across the UK.
This harrowing documentary revisits the 2021 Astroworld Festival disaster, where a crowd surge led to ten deaths and numerous injuries during a Texas-based festival launched by US rap star Travis Scott.
Through exclusive interviews with survivors, paramedics and festival staff, the film examines the events leading up to the tragedy and its aftermath. It delves into questions of accountability, safety protocols and the impact on the victims’ families, providing a sobering look at one of the most devastating concert incidents in recent history.
Speed Cameras: Out to Get Us?
Wednesday, C5
This investigative documentary explores the proliferation of speed cameras across the UK. Traveling from Nottinghamshire to Wales, it examines whether these devices are genuine safety tools or revenue-generating machines.
Featuring insights from traffic officers, drivers and the pioneer who introduced speed cameras to Britain’s roads in 1990, the programme questions their effectiveness and future. It’s a wild ride through Britain – but with less potholes.
What really happened on British Airways Flight 149?(Image: Alamy Stock Photo)
Flight 149: Hostage of War
Wednesday, Sky Documentaries & NOW
This gripping documentary uncovers the shocking truth behind British Airways Flight 149, which landed in Kuwait mere hours before Iraq’s 1990 invasion. What really happened to the passengers and crew held hostage by Saddam Hussein’s forces?
With first-hand testimonies, classified documents and a decades-long silence finally broken, this film lays bare a chilling and unflinching tale of government secrets, human endurance and political betrayal. It’s a must-watch for fans of true stories where the stakes are life and death – and the answers still sting.
Sam Thompson and Marvin Humes uncover their long-lost ancestors on ITV(Image: ITV)
DNA Journey with Ancestry
Thursday, ITV
The hit ITV series, DNA Journey returns for a gripping fifth season. This time round, new celebrity duos set off on an emotional journey across history, uncovering jaw-dropping family secrets and unexpected connections.
In this immersive documentary series, Love Island alum Olivia Attwood investigates the lengths individuals go to achieve physical perfection in today’s image-obsessed society.
Drawing from her own experiences with cosmetic procedures, Olivia explores the booming beauty industry, meeting people who have undergone extreme transformations and embedding herself with patients and practitioners to try some of them out herself – including salmon sperm injections.
The series delves into the true psychological and physical costs of chasing perfection, offering a candid look at the intense pressures stemming from modern beauty standards.
Sally Bretton and Lee Mack are back for a new series of Not Going Out, kicking off the latest season with a six-year time jump(Image: BBC/Avalon/Perou)
Not Going Out
Friday, BBC1
Lee Mack’s long-running sitcom returns for its 14th series, continuing to deliver laughs with witty dialogue and relatable scenarios. The show follows the misadventures of Lee and his wife Lucy (Sally Bretton) as they navigate the challenges of family life.
With a time jump moving the story six years ahead, the couple adjust to a new home in the countryside while their children are away at university. The series remains a staple of British comedy, combining sharp humour with heartwarming moments.
