The first episode of The Likely Lads was shown on BBC Two on 16 December 1964. Written by Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, it was one of several programmes made for the new channel, and was intended to offer a fresh approach to the situation comedy by featuring the lives of two best mates from the North East.
The Likely Lads starred James Bolam as Terry Collier and Rodney Bewes as Bob Ferris. Terry was working class and secure in his life, whereas Bob was more aspirational, determined to work his way to a better place. Both friends viewed the others worldview with disdain, but they were united by events, generally revolving around the pursuit of women.
In the first episode, "Entente Cordiale", the lads return from holiday in Spain determined to continue relationships they made there.
The Likely Lads ended in 1966 after three series. It returned in 1973 as Whatever Happened to the Likely Lads?, and picked up the story with Terry returning from the army to find Bob settled into a domesticated life with Thelma.This series was even more successful than the original.
Its legacy can be traced in sitcoms such as Men Behaving Badly. Clement and La Frenais went on to create Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Porridge.
December anniversaries
Ireland: A Television History
2 December 1980
Start of The BBC Television Shakespeare
3 December 1978
The World About Us
3 December 1967
Edward VIII Abdication speech
11 December 1936
