Chelworth (BBC-1 1989, Peter Jeffrey, Gemma Jones)

Drama series Chelworth followed the story of new duke, Michael Anstey, who leaves his Chinese mistress in Hong Kong and returns to England to lure his wife, Gemma Jones, from her Oxford don lover, their wild daughter and bisexual son back to help restore the family estate and its contents.

Wonderfully cast (including an appearance from the fab John Stride) Chelworth should have been a long running Sunday night style series but for some reason it never quite took off.

production details
UK / BBC One / 8×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 9 July – 27 August 1989

Creators: John Hawkeworth, Brian Thompson / Producer: Jonathon Alwyn

cast
PETER JEFFREY as Michael Anstey
GEMMA JONES as Virginia Anstey
ANGELA BROWNE as Barbara Chivers
PHYLLIDA LAW as Olivia Esholt
JOHN STRIDE as Ewan Chivers
JAMES VILLIERS as Ronnie Esholt
MICHAEL GRANDAGE as Jamie
MARTIN JARVIS as Keith Shedden
SEBASTIAN SHAW as Lord Toller
GARETH THOMAS as Peter Thornton

THE EPISODES
1. COMING HOME (9 July 1989)
2. A WONDERFULLY WRONG THING (16 July 1989)
3. SHOPPING AROUND (23 July 1989)
4. THE RICH CAN DO ANYTHING (30 July 1989)
5. YOU CAN’T BEAT MOZART (7 Aug 1989)
6. TAKING YOUR PROFITS (13 Aug 1989)
7. MY DEAR JAMIE (20 Aug 1989)
8. A REAL HOUSE (27 Aug 1989)

Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.