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Man About The House was a very popular British sitcom during the 70s. Its basic premise concerned
a young male student sharing a flat with two girls - hardly a radical concept now, but something that
was considered revolutionary and improper. The young man in question was Robin Tripp, a catering student
from Southampton. His room-mates were Chrissy Plummer, with whom Robin wanted to be more than friends,
and dizzy blonde Jo. The other main characters were their landlords, George and Mildred Roper. Whilst George
was very uptight and disproving of the situation, Mildred was more relaxed.
Man About The House spawned two separate spin-offs - Robin's Nest, in which Robin started
his own restaurant, and George and Mildred about the Ropers. It was also the subject of an infamous
American remake, Three's Company.
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A Thames Television Production. Colour.
All episodes are 30 minutes in duration.
Broadcast dates for original UK transmission on ITV.
Written by: Johnnie Mortimer and Brian Cooke
Producer and Director: Peter Frazer-Jones
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Regular Cast
Robin Tripp: Richard O'Sullivan
Chrissy Plummer: Paula Wilcox
Jo: Sally Thomsett
Mildred Roper: Yootha Joyce
George Roper: Brian Murphy
Larry: Doug Fisher [4,7]
Jim the Landlord: Michael Segal [5,7]
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1:
| Three's A Crowd
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15 August 1973 |
Guest Cast: Helen Fraser (Gabrielle).
During the aftermath of a party to celebrate their flatmate's engagement, Chrissy and Jo
meet Robin, a catering student who is looking for a flat in London. The girls need a
new flat mate and Robin can't find any accomodation. The obvious suggestion is agreed on,
but just how can they explain it to the Ropers, their landlords?
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2:
| And Mother Makes Four
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22 August 1973 |
Guest Cast: Daphne Oxenford (Chrissy's Mother).
Robin has just moved into the flat when Chrissy gets a telephone call from her mother
who is in London on her annual shopping trip and will soon be arriving at the flat.
Chrissy quickly herds Robin out of the flat, as what would her mother think, with her
sharing with a man? It is only when Chrissy's mum decides to stay the night that things
become more complicated...
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3:
| Some Enchanted Evening
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29 August 1973 |
Guest Cast: Steve Paterson (David).
Jo has invited her boyfriend round to the flat to cook him a meal. Jo is a hopeless cook
so Robin is persuaded to help. It is only when Chrissy and Robin are downstairs, enjoying
the delights of a game of monopoly with the Ropers while leaving the flat free for Jo,
that they discover something that might not be helping things to go smoothly upstairs.
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4:
| And Then There Were Two
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5 September 1973 |
Guest Cast: Jenny Hanley (Liz), Janine Drzewicki (Sheila).
Jo is going away for the weekend, leaving Chrissy alone with Robin for the first
time. Chrissy is dreading this, but Robin is looking forward to it immensely.
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5:
| It's Only Money
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12 September 1973 |
Guest Cast: Ken Watson (Bank Manager), Derek Seaton (First Policeman), Colin McCormack
(Second Policeman), Raymond Farrell (Bank Clerk).
This week's rent money is stolen from the flat. The rent is due, so if Roper knows
they don't have it he might throw them out of the flat. All Robin, Chrissy and Jo have
to do is find a way of replacing the lost money.
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6:
| Match Of The Day
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19 September 1973 |
Guest Cast: Duncan Lamont (Dr Macleod), Michael Redfern (Tom), Michael J Jackson (Barry).
Robin has finally been picked for the college football team, but a few days before his
big match, he is struck down by a common cold. Can Chrissy and Jo help him recover in time?
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7:
| No Children, No Dogs
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26 September 1973 |
Guest Cast: None.
Larry lumbers Robin with a puppy, but their lease on the flat prevents the flat sharers
from keeping pets. Will they be able to conceal the puppy from Roper?
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Regular Cast
Robin Tripp: Richard O'Sullivan
Chrissy Plummer: Paula Wilcox
Jo: Sally Thomsett
Mildred Roper: Yootha Joyce
George Roper: Brian Murphy
Jim the Landlord: Michael Segal [1-3]
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1:
| While The Cat's Away
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9 January 1974 |
Guest Cast: Ian Lavender (Mark), Jenny Hanley (Liz), Jeffrey Gardiner (Maurice),
Colin McCormack (Henry).
While the Ropers are away Robin, Chrissy and Jo decide to hold a party.
Note: Jenny Hanley reprises her role as Liz from "And Then There Were Two".
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2:
| Colour Me Yellow
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16 January 1974 |
Guest Cast: Paul Angelis (Mick), Eammon Boyce (Paddy).
Robin believes his character has been brought into doubt by not standing up to a large
Irishman in the pub. Despite reassurances from Chrissy and Jo he is determined to put
things right next time he meets him.
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3:
| In Praise Of Older Men
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23 January 1974 |
Guest Cast: Norman Eshley (Ian Cross), Audrey Nicholson (Mrs Cross), Chet Townsend (Waiter).
Chrissy has a new boyfriend who is planning to take her to Bournemouth on a "business
trip." Then Robin finds out that he is married...
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4:
| Did You Ever Meet Rommel?
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30 January 1974 |
Guest Cast: Dennis Waterman (Franz Wasserman).
If there's one thing Roper can't stand it's Germans, after Hitler, Doodlebugs and
most of all for knocking England out of the 1970 World Cup. This could prove a
problem as Chrissy has invited the Ropers for a meal at the same time as Robin has
invited a German friend from College...
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5:
| Two Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue
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6 February 1974 |
Guest Cast: Richard Fraser (Simon Randall), Jo Kendall (Podge Randall),
Karl Howman (Philip), Bella Emberg (Podge's Mother).
Jo has arranged to go out with her boyfriend at the same time as she should be babysitting
for a friend, so Robin and Chrissy are persuaded to take her place looking after
the baby.
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6:
| Carry Me Back To Old Southampton
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13 February 1974 |
Guest Cast: Leslie Sands (Mr Tripp), Doug Fisher (Larry), John Carlin (Mr Gideon).
Robin has failed his exams and it seems that he has to return to Southampton and work
for his father. So arrangements are made for Larry to take his place in the flat and
Robin prepares to move out.
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Regular Cast
Robin Tripp: Richard O'Sullivan
Chrissy Plummer: Paula Wilcox
Jo: Sally Thomsett
Mildred Roper: Yootha Joyce
George Roper: Brian Murphy
Larry: Doug Fisher [1,2,4,7]
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1:
| Cuckoo In The Nest
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9 October 1974 |
Guest Cast: Norman Chappell (Mr Morris).
Larry is staying in the flat and driving everybody crazy. They have to find somewhere
for him to live. But where?
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2:
| Come Into My Parlour
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16 October 1974 |
Guest Cast: Caroline Dowdeswell (Angie), Hilda Kriseman (Shop Assistant).
Robin is like a spider at the centre of his web, waiting to trap his latest girlfriend
after a romantic evening alone at the flat. But this particular fly is an old school
friend of Chrissy, so Robin's flatmate is taking quite an interest in this relationship...
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3:
| I Won't Dance, Don't Ask Me...
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23 October 1974 |
Guest Cast: Alison Hughes (Maddie), Robert Swales (Peter), John Colclough (Nigel),
Gareth Johnson (Stuart), Frances Sealer (Marjorie), Sally Harrison (Denise), Peggy Ann Clifford
(Mrs James) and The Amborse Quillby Four
It is the week of the staff do at the firm where Chrissy and Jo work. In need of an
escort, Chrissy invites Robin. But it is a black tie dinner dance - surely Robin won't
fit in?
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4:
| Of Mice And Women
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30 October 1974 |
Guest Cast: Annie Hayes (Rita).
A mouse has appeared in the flat, and Robin comes up with a way of turning this to
his advantage.
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5:
| Somebody Out There Likes Me
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6 November 1974 |
Guest Cast: Christopher Chittell (Alan), Colin McCormack (Bernard).
Chrissy has a secret admirer, who is sending her flowers and chocolates. And it appears
to Mr Roper that so has Mildred...
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6:
| We Shall Not Be Moved
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13 November 1974 |
Guest Cast: Roy Kinnear (Jerry), Derek Seaton (Agent), Michael
Redfern (1st Removal Man), Ian Sharp (2nd Removal Man).
While Mildred is away for the weekend, George takes the opportunity to make a few
changes, one of which is tricking Robin, Jo and Chrissy into leaving.
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7:
| Three Of A Kind
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20 November 1974 |
Guest Cast: Jeremy Bulloch (Derek), Duncan Lamont (Dr Macleod), Louisa Martin (Nurse).
Robin takes part in regular weekly sessions of poker, but while he is in hospital
having his tonsils removed, Chrissy persuades him to let her take his place, just
to prove that poker is not just a man's game. All Chrissy has to do then is learn
how to play...
Note: Duncan Lamont previously appeared as Dr Macleod in "Match Of The Day".
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| Man About The House
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Released 22 December 1974 |
Directed by: John Robins
Produced by: Roy Skeggs
A Hammer Production (85 mins)
Cast: Richard O'Sullivan (Robin), Paula Wilcox (Chrissy), Sally Thomsett (Jo), Yootha Joyce (Mildred Roper), Brian
Murphy (George Roper), Doug Fisher (Larry), Peter Cellier (Morris Pluthero), Patrick Newell (Sir Edmund Weir),
Aimi McDonald (Hazel Lovett), Jack Smethurst (Himself), Rudolph Walker (Himself), Spike Milligan (Himself),
Melvyn Hayes (Nigel), Michael Ward (Mr Gideon), Bill Grundy (Interviewer), Berry Cornish (PA), Norman Mitchell
(Doorman), Michael Robbins (Second Doorman), Johnnie Briggs (Milkman), Bill Pertwee (Postman), Bill Sawyer
(Chauffeur), Aubrey Morris (Lecturer), Arthur Lowe (Spiros), Andria Lawrence (Miss Bird), Julian
Orchard (Producer), Mark Rogers (Boy Scout), Bill Maynard (Chef), Pauline Peart (Secretary), Arthur Hewlett
(Elderly Man), Annie Leake (Tweedy Lady), Corinne Skinner (Housewife).
For once Robin, Chrissy and Jo are in agreement with Roper as they all join
forces to fight the threat of a ruthless property developer who is determined to
demolish the street in which they live. [85 minutes duration]
Notes: It was common for successful British television comedies of the 1970s to have a big screen outing, and
Man About The House was not left out. All of the principal television cast appears, joined by cameos
from Jack Smethurst and Rudolph Walker (stars of another Thames sitcom, Love Thy Neighbour) and Spike
Milligan.
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Regular Cast
Robin Tripp: Richard O'Sullivan
Chrissy Plummer: Paula Wilcox
Jo: Sally Thomsett
Mildred Roper: Yootha Joyce
George Roper: Brian Murphy
Larry: Doug Fisher [1,3,4,6]
Barman: John Carlin [1,3,4,6]
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1:
| Home And Away
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6 March 1975 |
Guest Cast: Michael Redfern (Mike), Drew Wood (1st Hells Angel),
Hilary Minster (2nd Hells Angel).
Robin and Chrissy borrow Roper's car to go to a football match. When the car breaks
down they have to phone the pub for advice, where Roper is showing off his new
personal accessory - a wig.
Note: This episode is credited only to Brian Cooke.
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2:
| One For The Road
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13 March 1975 |
Guest Cast: Ken Watson (Policeman), Harry Littlewood (Examiner), Alister Williamson (Sergeant),
Erik Chitty (Magistrate), Marc Boyle (Warrant Officer), Frank Lester (Clerk of Court).
Chrissy decides to learn to drive, which is just as well, with Robin about to
lose his licence...
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3:
| All In The Game
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20 March 1975 |
Guest Cast: Roy Kinnear (Jerry), Jessel Saks (Colin), Jo Garrity (Vera), Ian Sharp (Tom).
It appears that the flat has woodworm, so Jerry, George's friend, is called in to treat it, resulting in
Robin having to spend a night downstairs with Roper!
Note: Roy Kinnear previously appeared as Jerry in "We Shall Not Be Moved".
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4:
| Never Give Your Real Name
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27 March 1975 |
Guest Cast: Alison Hughes (Linda), Suzanne Moore (Sandra), Mostyn Evans (Sandra's Dad).
Larry has a habit of telling a few untruthes, like giving his girlfriends a false
name. After a week as Orinocho Womble, Larry becomes Robin Tripp, and causes the real
Robin Tripp quite a few problems...
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5:
| The Tender Trap
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3 April 1975 |
Guest Cast: Glyn Edwards (Chrissy's Father), Daphne Oxenford (Chrissy's Mother),
Sheila Dunion (Susan), John Colclough (Ted).
Chrissy's mum visits the flat again, intending a little match-making between her daughter
and Robin. Her first move is to invite Robin down to the christening of
Chrissy's baby nephew - with the hope that it's a wedding that she might be
celebrating next.
Note: Daphne Oxenford previously appeared as Chrissy's mother in "And Mother Makes Four".
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6:
| My Son, My Son
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10 April 1975 |
Guest Cast: Anthony Sharp (Mr Matthews).
George has been requested to make an appointment to see someone from the Inland
Revenue. Could it have something to do with the fact that he has been claiming tax
relief for a non-existant son for 19 years?
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Regular Cast
Robin Tripp: Richard O'Sullivan
Chrissy Plummer: Paula Wilcox
Jo: Sally Thomsett
Mildred Roper: Yootha Joyce
George Roper: Brian Murphy
Larry: Doug Fisher [1,4,5,6]
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1:
| The Last Picture Show
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4 September 1975 |
Guest Cast: Peter Greene (Neil), Catherine Riding (Diana).
Chrissy is given a cine camera for her birthday. After using it to make her first
film, she borrows a projector in order to view her epic, giving Larry an opportunity
for showing a very different sort of film.
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2:
| Right Said George
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11 September 1975 |
Guest Cast: Roy Kinnear (Jerry).
In need of money for repairs to his car, Roper sells his piano to Robin. The
problem comes in moving it upstairs...
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3:
| A Little Knowledge
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18 September 1975 |
Guest Cast: Peter Jones (Mr Morris).
Robin is in need of money, so he answers a job advertisement in the
newspaper. As a result, Robin ends up as a trainee door-to-door encyclopedia
salesmen, in search of someone to practice on.
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4:
| Love And Let Love
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25 September 1975 |
Guest Cast: Wendy Allnutt (Susan), Veronica Doran (Myra), Mark Cooper (Desmond).
Robin suggests introducing a rule that any of the flat sharers needs to give the
others 24 hours notice should they want the flat to themselves for entertaining a
friend. This is all very well until Robin's girlfriend can't make their date the
following day, but can make it that night instead...
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5:
| How Does Your Garden Grow?
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2 October 1975 |
Guest Cast: Ken Watson (Policeman), Charles Morgan (Teacher), Mike Savage (1st Dustman),
John Lyons (2nd Dustman).
Persuaded into clearing out the garden, Robin and Chrissy find an interesting
plant that they decide to keep in the flat, until Larry identifies it as a
cannabis plant...
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6:
| Come Fly With Me
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9 October 1975 |
Guest Cast: None.
Chrissy is given some tickets for a Frank Sinatra concert, which she doesn't
want, but both Jo and Robin do. Downstairs, George is reminded that it is soon
his wedding anniversary, so he goes out and buys Mildred a present - a budgie.
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Regular Cast
Robin Tripp: Richard O'Sullivan
Chrissy Plummer: Paula Wilcox
Jo: Sally Thomsett [2-7]
Mildred Roper: Yootha Joyce
George Roper: Brian Murphy
Larry: Doug Fisher [1,4,6,7]
Barman: John Carlin [1-2]
Norman Tripp: Norman Eshley [5-7]
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1:
| The Party's Over
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25 February 1976 |
Guest Cast: Hilda Braid (Mrs Hollins).
Roper finally goes too far by cancelling a party planned by Robin and Chrissy, so
Mildred does what she has been threatening to do for so many years, and finally
leaves him.
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2:
| One More For The Pot
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3 March 1976 |
Guest Cast: Alison Hughes (Linda), John Flanaghan (James).
Roper puts the rent up. The only way that Robin, Jo and Chrissy can afford it
is by taking in a fourth person. So the search is on for another flatmate.
Note: Alison Hughes previously appeared as Linda in "Never Give Your Real Name".
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3:
| The Generation Game
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10 March 1976 |
Guest Cast: Mike Savage (Commissioner).
Robin is persuaded to accompany Mrs Roper to a dinner dance when George refuses to go.
Roper is left at home where he generates a few suspicions...
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4:
| The Sunshine Boys
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17 March 1976 |
Guest Cast: None.
Preparing for a summer holiday, Robin is worried about his pale complexion,
until Larry sells him a sun lamp so that he can develop a healthy tan before he goes.
But where did Larry get the lamp from?
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5:
| Mum Always Liked You Best
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24 March 1976 |
Guest Cast: Steve Plytas (Restaurant Manager), Lawrence Davidson (Waiter), John Harvey (Doctor).
Norman, Robin's brother, visits the flat. Norman is completely different to Robin;
tall, handsome, charming and the owner of a flash car. To Robin's dismay, Chrissy
starts to take quite a liking to him...
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6:
| Fire Down Below
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31 March 1976 |
Guest Cast: Frankie Jordan (Deirdre), Cecily Habis (Muriel).
Chrissy's relationship with Norman is developing. Robin decides to finally
tell Chrissy how much she means to him when Norman makes an announcement - he and
Chrissy have got engaged.
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7:
| Another Bride, Another Groom
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7 April 1976 |
Guest Cast: Leslie Sands (Robin's Dad), Daphne Oxenford (Chrissy's Mum), Hilda Kriseman
(Robin's Mum), Dennis Ramsden (Registrar), Glyn Edwards (Chrissy's Dad).
The big day arrives. Robin has baked a monster of a wedding cake and family and friends
will be arriving. Something has got to go wrong, hasn't it?
Note: The final episode features a number of returning actors playing the parents
of Chrissy and Robin.
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