Two-hour retrospective features new material from writer Roy Clarke

Brian Conley is to front a new documentary celebrating Last of the Summer Wine, the longest-running TV sitcom in the world.

The latest U&Gold retrospective The Last Drop of Summer Wine, will see the comic revisiting Holmfirth, where the BBC series was filmed, and meeting the families of its cast.

It will also draw on personal archives belonging to the show’s creator, Sir Roy Clarke, as well as family photographs, scripts and behind-the-scenes material provided by the families of Bill Owen, Peter Sallis and Kathy Staff, along with that of long-serving producer and director Alan JW Bell. 

Sir Roy, who turned 96 earlier this year, has also written new reflections on the series especially for the film. Woven throughout the special, these are said to offer ‘a personal response to the characters, places and enduring legacy of Last of the Summer Wine, giving Sir Roy’s unmistakable voice a central role in the celebration’.

Conley, above, said: ’I am delighted to be hosting this look back at the longest-running TV sitcom in the world. Getting the chance to share all the amazing stories, the fun, the laughter, and above all the love, was a real honour.’

Sir Roy said: ’It’s been a pleasure to work on this one. We’ve squeezed all the juice that we can with love and affection. I’ve enjoyed this wander down memory lane, as I hope the viewers will.’

Last of the Summer Wine first aired in 1973 and ran for 31 series before ending in 2010. Its 37-year record will be overtaken by The Simpsons later this year.

All 295 episodes –  including Christmas specials, TV films and a one-off prequel –were written by Clarke.  Over the years, its cast included Russ Abbot, Jean Alexander, Dame Thora Hird,   June Whitfield, among many others.

Die to air next year, the documentary is produced by Phil McIntyre Television.

Jason Dawson, who commissioned the show for UKTV, said: ‘Six decades since it began, our viewers are still utterly devoted to Last of the Summer Wine, and we’re honoured to have Sir Roy Clarke, Brian Conley and the brilliant producers at Phil McIntyre working with us to celebrate and reward that devotion with this wonderful film. Besides, any excuse to visit Holmfirth right?’

The Last Drop of Summer Wine follows a run of similar projects for U&Gold. This year brought Becoming Victoria Wood, a feature-length documentary about the comedian’s life that also received a theatrical release. Open All Hours: Inside Out, featuring Sir David Jason, aired last month, and Jason is also set to appear in Only Fools and Horses: The Lost Archive later this year. 

And comedians Joe Wilkinson and David Earl will explore their favourite sitcoms in Joe & David’s Magical Sitcom Tour this summer.

Published: 9 Jun 2026