List of Are You Being Served? episodes

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The following is a list of episodes for the British sitcom Are You Being Served? that aired from 1972 to 1984. All episodes were 30 minutes long. There was a film in 1977, also entitled Are You Being Served?. While all episodes were in colour, the pilot had originally survived only in black-and-white as a film transfer from the original colour source, however it was restored into colour using the "chroma-dot" computer colour restoration technique, and was aired on BBC Two on 1 January 2010. [1]

Series overview[edit | edit source]

All Ten Series One to Ten, including both the black & white and colour versions of the pilot episode and all five Christmas specials from those years, are now available on DVD in the UK (Region 2). Are You Being Served: the Movie was released in 2002.

All ten series, as well as both series of Grace & Favour (in packaging titled Are You Being Served? Again!) and the film are available on DVD in Region 1 (North America).

All ten series, as well as both series of Grace & Favour (in correctly-titled packaging) and the film have been released in Australia (Region 4).

A DVD titled Are You Being Served? – Best of The Early Years and Are You Being Served? Christmas Specials have also been released.

DVD title Discs Year Ep. # DVD release Special episodes
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4
Complete Series 1 1 19721973 6 27 August 2002 25 July 2005 2 March 2006 The Pilot B&W version
Complete Series 2 1 1974 5 27 August 2002 19 September 2005 8 June 2006
Complete Series 3 2 1975 9 27 August 2002 30 January 2006 5 October 2006 1975 Christmas Special
Complete Series 4 1 1976 7 27 August 2002 27 March 2006 7 March 2007 1976 Christmas Special
Complete Series 5 1 1977 7 27 August 2002 5 June 2006 6 June 2007
Complete Series 6 1 1978 6 30 September 2003 28 August 2006 3 October 2007 1978 Christmas Special
Complete Series 7 1 1979 8 30 September 2003 25 August 2008 6 March 2008 1979 Christmas Special
Complete Series 8 1 1981 8 30 September 2003 7 September 2009 7 August 2008 1981 Christmas Special
Complete Series 9 1 1983 6 30 September 2003 24 May 2010 2 October 2008
Complete Series 10 1 1984 7 30 September 2003 13 September 2010 5 March 2009
Complete Series 1–5 6 1972–1977 34 27 August 2002 2 October 2006 TBA Same as individual releases
Complete Series 6–10 5 1978–1984 35 30 September 2003 TBA TBA Same as individual releases
Complete Series 1–10 11 1972–1984 69 7 September 2003
11 August 2009
13 September 2010 1 April 2010 Extra Disc with Profile Specials on Molly Sugden, Wendy Richards etc.

Pilot (1972)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
0 Are You Being Served? (pilot) Bernard Thompson David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
September 8, 1972
Due to reorganisation within the Grace Brothers department store, the Ladies' Wear department is forced to relocate to the floor occupied by the Men's Wear department. Neither Mrs. Slocombe, nor Mr. Grainger (who is at one point referred to as Crippen by Mr. Humphries), are pleased with the new arrangements, and both make their discontent known loudly, especially when there is an argument over the centre display stand. Guest starring Michael Knowles.

(Episode of Comedy Playhouse.)

Series 1 (1973)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
1-1 Dear Sexy Knickers Bernard Thompson David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
March 21, 1973
Mr. Lucas tries to salvage his bad day at work by sending a note to Miss Brahms, whom he addresses as "Sexy Knickers," asking her to meet him after work. His attempt to deliver the note to Miss Brahms is unsuccessful, and when he tries to retrieve it, he is thwarted by Captain Peacock. Captain Peacock intercepts the note and hands it to Mrs. Slocombe unread, setting off a succession of misunderstandings.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
1-2 Our Figures Are Slipping Bernard Thompson David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
March 28, 1973
Sales figures for the department are falling, and Mr. Rumbold insists the staff stay behind after the store closes to learn about sales technique. Mr. Rumbold suggests that Mr. Lucas "smile more" in an effort to help boost his sales figures, but the junior's half-hearted implementation seems to have the opposite effect.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
1-3 Camping In Bernard Thompson David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
4 April 1973
Due to a transport strike, the staff are forced to stay in the store overnight. They decide to make the best of the situation by appropriating tents from the sporting department and "camping" in the store. After struggling to erect their tents, and debating sleeping arrangements, the staff talk and sing over an electric "campfire". Guest starring Colin Bean.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
1-4 His and Hers Bernard Thompson David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
11 April 1973
The sales staff are upset when Grace Brothers hires an attractive outside saleswoman (Joanna Lumley) to demonstrate a new unisex line of perfume, "His and Hers." Sales of the perfume cut into the staff's commissions, and when they discover that the saleswoman is giving away freebies with every purchase, the staff comes together and successfully sabotage the perfume stand. The saleswoman quits, but the staff learns that they have, in effect, bitten the hand that feeds them and must now sell the perfume themselves.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
1-5 Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend Bernard Thompson David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
18 April 1973
On the day they get their meager wages, the staff search frantically for a diamond lost in the store by a customer who is offering a £100 reward for its return. Though they initially all agree to split the reward between them should any one of them find the diamond, greed washes over everyone, and when each believes they have found the missing stone, plots to cheat another out of the reward money are hatched. Guest starring Janet Davies and Elizabeth Larner.

Series 2 (1974)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
2-1 The Clock Harold Snoad David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
March 14, 1974
As Mr. Grainger celebrates his 65th birthday, all the staff wonder whether he'll get the traditional cuckoo clock that means he is being retired. In the evening, the staff and Mrs. Grainger have dinner and Mr. Rumbold tells Captain Peacock that Grainger is being given the cuckoo clock. However, Young Mr. Grace makes a late appearance and gives the clock to himself and gives Mr. Grainger another five years. Guest starring John Ringham.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
2-2 Cold Comfort Harold Snoad David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd,
Michael Knowles
March 21, 1974
Due to fuel reserves being in short supply, Grace Brothers turn off the central heating, despite it being bitterly cold. While Mr. Rumbold secretly uses an electric fire, the floor staff use other methods to keep themselves warm until Captain Peacock finds out and takes all the devices to Mr. Rumbold's office. In attempt to hide the electric fire, Mr. Rumbold's office is set on fire. It is put out by Mr. Lucas.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
2-3 The Think Tank Harold Snoad David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
March 28, 1974
After being down by £600 last week, Mr. Rumbold forms a "think tank" to come up with ways to increase sales. Captain Peacock suggests a fashion show, which Mr. Rumbold then takes the credit for. But when this is performed, with the staff as the models, in front of Young Mr. Grace, he doesn't like it and suggests a sale.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
2-4 Big Brother Harold Snoad David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd,
Michael Knowles
April 4, 1974
Shoplifting is on the increase, so Mr. Rumbold decides to get CCTV installed and he recruits Mr. Clegg, formerly of CID, who searches the staff as they leave. Using the CCTV from his office, Rumbold can watch everyone, and he soon catches all the staff doing things they shouldn't. After being confronted, the staff come up with a plan to make Mr. Rumbold get rid of the cameras.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
2-5 Hoorah for the Holidays Harold Snoad David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
April 11, 1974
Young Mr. Grace decides to have the whole store redecorated and will close the shop for two weeks in August. The management hope the staff will take their holidays during this time and offer them £5 "inconvenience money". When the staff refuse this, Young Mr. Grace offers them a choice of destinations which he will pay for them to go to. The choices, however, leave a lot to be desired. Guest starring John Clegg.

Series 3 (1975)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-1 The Hand of Fate David Croft David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
February 27, 1975
One of the directors is retiring from the Board due to ill health, and Mr. Rumbold is being considered for the position. If he gets the position, Captain Peacock will take over from him, and Mr. Grainger and Mrs. Slocombe both want to replace Peacock. Meanwhile, Mr. Humphries reveals he can read palms and when he reads Captain Peacock's it leads the staff to believe he and Rumbold will both be promoted, while Mrs. Slocombe's palm says she will have a man at her feet.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-2 Coffee Morning David Croft David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
March 6, 1975
Following Mr. Grainger being late from his coffee break, Mr. Rumbold and Captain Peacock institute a book that must be signed and timed when people take their tea or coffee break or go to the toilet. The other staff then agree to refuse to sign it, and when Mr. Grainger becomes the first person to refuse he is fined 25 pence. Mr. Rumbold also docks Mr. Grainger 25 pence for lost work for being late. Mr. Mash then calls a "go slow" to make the management give in to their demands.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-3 Up Captain Peacock David Croft David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
March 13, 1975
As a reward for being at Grace Brothers for 20 years, Captain Peacock is given the key to the executive washroom and access to the executive dining room, both of which annoy Mr. Grainger in particular. Meanwhile, the whole floor is annoyed when their lunch hour is delayed by one hour until 2pm and Mr. Grainger thinks about ringing the Factory Inspector. Guest starring Donald Hewlett, Michael Knowles, and Jeffrey Segal.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-4 Cold Store David Croft David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
March 20, 1975
Mr. Lucas has a girl coming to visit him, so he tries to pretend he has a cold to get the day off work. Captain Peacock gets Sister (played by Joy Allen) to check his temperature, which says he is perfectly normal. However, Mrs. Slocombe does have a cold, but refuses to go home. And Miss Brahms, who has an injection to prevent her getting a cold, refuses to work with her. Captain Peacock then decides that the solution is that Mr. Lucas work with Mrs. Slocombe for the day, but he still tries to get sent home sick by falling down the stairs aided by Mr. Mash. Guest starring Pamela Cundell and Gordon Peters.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-5 Wedding Bells David Croft David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
March 27, 1975
Mrs. Slocombe argues with Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold when she refuses to sell certain items. Young Mr. Grace announces to the department that he intends to ask someone in Grace Brothers to marry him, having been a widower for 40 years. He then invites Mrs. Slocombe for tea, and the staff think he is going to ask her to marry him. However, he merely wants her advice on whether to ask Miss Robinson, of the Jewellery Department, and by accident puts him off marriage completely. Guest starring John Clegg.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-6 German Week David Croft David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
April 3, 1975
Young Mr. Grace decides to have a "German Week" where the department will sell only German goods. However, after two days they discover they have only made 64 pence, so Mr. Rumbold and the floor staff decide to give the department a more German feel by dressing up and serving German wine. Guest starring Joanna Lumley.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-7 Shoulder to Shoulder Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd,
Michael Knowles
April 10, 1975
When Young Mr. Grace decides that he can only afford to have half of the department decorated, the Ladies' Wear Department is forced to temporarily relocate to Menswear while the work is carried out, and friction ensues over how much display space Mrs. Slocombe should be allowed.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-8 New Look Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd,
Michael Knowles
April 17, 1975
At an after-hours meeting, the staff open the department's Suggestion Box, only to find that there are no useful suggestions. They then decide that background music and a recorded store-wide voiceover will boost sales. When cash is offered to do the voiceover, all the floor staff want the recorded voice to be theirs. Unfortunately, Young Mr. Grace concludes that the only voice he likes is his own. Guest starring Felix Bowness.

Christmas special (1975)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
3-9 Christmas Crackers Ray Butt John T. Chapman,
Jeremy Lloyd
December 22, 1975
The staff are called to an early morning meeting to decide on ways to boost Christmas sales figures. However, Young Mr. Grace has already decided that all the floor staff will have to wear novelty costumes, something which none of them are too happy about.

Series 4 (1976)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
4-1 No Sale Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
April 8, 1976
Grace Brothers decide to open at 8.30am in order to attract customers on their way to work. The idea is a great success with takings up, but by the afternoon the floor staff decide to make sure takings are the same as the Monday before to avoid having to come to work at 8.30 every day, so they try to put people off buying things. Guest starring John Bardon and Gordon Peters.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
4-2 Top Hat and Tails Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
15 April 1976
Young Mr. Grace wants the Ladies and Men's Wear department to form a ballroom dancing team to enter the national Golden Shoes Competition, and when a financial reward is offered all the staff are happy to take part. During rehearsals, Young Mr. Grace watches them to decide whether they are good enough. This is the first appearance of Mr. Harman.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
4-3 Forward Mr. Grainger Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
22 April 1976
When Mr. Rumbold goes to Swansea for a month long sales seminar, Mr. Grainger is placed in charge, much to Captain Peacock's annoyance. Mr. Grainger soon makes himself very unpopular because of how he runs the department. However, very soon Mr. Rumbold comes back as the hotel in Swansea has flooded and everyone ignores Mr. Grainger.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
4-4 Fire Practice Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
29 April 1976
Young Mr. Grace warns Mr. Rumbold that there will be a fire practice, but refuses to tell him at what time. Meanwhile, an Arab Emir arrives in the department wishing to buy a pair of trousers for his wife, but no one is allowed to touch her, so measuring her proves difficult. While they are completing the sale, the fire alarm goes off and the staff response means they all have to stay behind that evening and practice what to do if there is a fire.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
4-5 Fifty Years On Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
5 May 1976
Mrs. Slocombe reminds everyone that her birthday is approaching, and the rest of the staff work out that she will be 50. They then buy her a present and practise singing "Happy Birthday to You", and Mr. Humphries has a special cake made. However, when the cake is revealed and it says "50" Mrs. Slocombe is horrified. Guest starring Mavis Pugh.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
4-6 Oh What a Tangled Web Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
12 May 1976
Both Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold's secretary Monica Hazelwood are late, and it is rumoured that they are having an affair. Mrs. Peacock (played by Diana King) arrives at the store, as does Miss Hazelwood's father, and an inquiry has to be held after both Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Grainger are attacked and Captain Peacock explains what happened between him and Miss Hazelwood.

Christmas special (1976)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
4-7 The Father Christmas Affair Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
December 24, 1976
Grace Brothers decides to have electric Father Christmas models, but this is soon cancelled when they go wrong. Young Mr. Grace then decides to offer £50 to a member of the department, including Mr. Rumbold, to dress up as Father Christmas and give gifts to the children. Young Mr. Grace gets a young boy to decide which one of the staff will be Father Christmas. Meanwhile, Mr. Grainger is worried about his annual performance to entertain the residents of an old people's home.

Series 5 (1977)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
5-1 Mrs. Slocombe Expects Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
February 25, 1977
When the male staff hear Mrs. Slocombe talking to Miss Brahms about a "happy event", they think that Mrs. Slocombe is pregnant. However, it turns about to be her cat that is expecting, and Mrs. Slocombe asks Mr. Rumbold if the cat can give birth in the fitting room so she can be near it. When he refuses, Mr. Harman smuggles it in. Meanwhile, Young Mr. Grace tries to show the staff how to improve sales.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
5-2 A Change Is as Good as a Rest Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
4 March 1977
The floor staff are summoned to the Board Room, and while they wait for Mr. Rumbold and Young Mr. Grace they look in the file on the table which says they are all to be replaced. In protest they decide to resign and Mr. Grainger does so first. However, they are then told that all the staff are merely changing departments for a week. Mr. Grainger asks for his job back, but Mr. Humphries and Mr. Lucas have already been promoted, so he is made Junior Assistant. Later, the staff are moved to the Toy Department for the week and Mr. Rumbold tries to get Mr. Grainger his old job back.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
5-3 Founder's Day Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
11 March 1977
To celebrate Young Mr. Grace's 80th birthday, the staff plan a This Is Your Department, a spoof of This Is Your Life, to show, with the help of Young Mr. Grace's memoirs, how he has affected all of their lives. Meanwhile, Mrs. Slocombe and Miss Brahms argue when a customer (played by Tim Barrett) wants to buy two fur coats, one for his wife and one for his girlfriend.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
5-4 The Old Order Changes Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
18 March 1977
After visiting the United States, Young Mr. Grace decides on the new idea of American informality in the hope of increasing sales. This includes all the staff calling each other by their first names, dressing in their own clothes and background music. However, after a week or so Young Mr. Grace returns from China and has a new set of ideas. Guest starring Jeffrey Holland and Bernice Adams.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
5-5 Take-over Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
25 March 1977
Having been told a rival store is attempting a take-over of Grace Brothers, the staff soon worry for their jobs. Mr. Rumbold then comes up with a plan to make sure the take-over is voted against at a Shareholders' Dinner, and when money is offered all the staff volunteer to dress up as sympathetic shareholders who can't get to the dinner. Mr. Harman and Mrs. Slocombe dress up as Lord and Lady Stableforth with Miss Brahms as their daughter Lavinia and Mr. Grainger as Sir Richard Ryan. Meanwhile, when the chef and waiters can't get there, Mr. Humphries is forced to stand in as chef with Mr. Lucas and Captain Peacock as the waiters. Guest starring Mavis Pugh.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
5-6 Goodbye Mr. Grainger Ray Butt David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
1 April 1977
Mr. Grainger has become increasingly bad-tempered, something which is not helped by him losing the centre display stand to Mrs. Slocombe for "bra week". The rest of the staff agree that he has to go, and when Mr. Harman tells Mr. Grainger of their decision he resigns first. However, the following day he comes in and apologises for his bad mood. The reason for the change of mood he revealed when he tells them he was won The Pools. He showers his co-workers with gifts and his resignation letter reaches Mr. Grace's office, but Mr. Humphries soon speaks to The Pools firm and Mr. Grainger has not won anything. Surprisingly, Mr. Grainger is not totally disappointed, and he decides to stay on. And then, his unopened resignation letter is revealed, with interesting results.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
5-7 It Pays to Advertise Bob Spiers David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
=8 April 1977
Grace Brothers decide to make an advert, set in a cocktail bar, to increase sales. This is filmed in the department using the staff as actors and with Mr. Humphries as the director. Meanwhile, Mr. Humphries and Mrs. Slocombe have been chosen to be made into life-size models to represent the average man and woman in the street. Guest starring Ferdy Mayne.

Series 6 (1978)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
6-1 By Appointment Bob Spiers David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
15 November 1978
The staff return from their holidays, and Mr. Tebbs has replaced Mr. Grainger as Head of Men's Wear. The staff are soon told that The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh are making an official visit to the borough, and they might be coming to Grace Brothers. The staff rehearse what to do if the Royal couple visit and on the day they all dress up in their finery and then watch them in the street below from Mr. Rumbold's office window.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
6-2 The Club Bob Spiers David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
22 November 1978
The staff are offered a room in the basement that they can turn into a club. Young Mr. Grace says he will spend up to £300 on decorating it, so when the decorators give their estimate as £500, the staff offer to do the job themselves and pocket £50 each. However, the job soon proves more difficult than they first thought. Guest starring Mavis Pugh.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
6-3 Do You Take This Man? Bob Spiers David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
29 November 1978
Mrs. Slocombe becomes engaged to a Greek man called Mr. Metaxas, and her wealthy American uncle Wendal P. Clark (played by Norman Mitchell) has offered to pay for the reception and will buy the couple a house as a wedding present. However, on the morning of the wedding, the best man (Gorden Kaye) brings bad news: The groom is already married, and his wife has demanded that he return home to Greece. The staff, hoping to help Mrs. Slocombe, decide to fake the wedding ceremony right in the store, with Mr. Humphries as the "groom" and Mr. Tebbs playing a Greek Orthodox priest. Guest starring Felix Bowness.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
6-4 Shedding the Load Bob Spiers David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
6 December 1978
After continuing falling sales, it is decided that one of the floor staff will have to be made redundant and the management decide to let the staff decide who. After a secret ballot, which results in everyone, save for Mr. Humphries, getting one vote, the staff gather at the store on the weekend to battle it out. However, Young Mr. Grace announces that the cutbacks have been cancelled and that he is giving himself a three-day week instead.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
6-5 A Bliss Girl Bob Spiers David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
13 December 1978
A stall to sell "Bliss" perfume has arrived on the floor, but because of the thick fog, the Bliss salesgirl has not arrived. Mr. Humphries is then made to man the stall. This means that the Menswear Department is undermanned, so Mr. Rumbold orders a furious Captain Peacock to work the counter. Guest starring Jan Holden and Bernice Adams.

Christmas special (1978)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
6-6 Happy Returns Bob Spiers David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
26 December 1978
It is Young Mr. Grace's birthday, and the staff sing the traditional birthday song for him and partake of the traditional free lunch. They later rehearse their cabaret performance for Young Mr. Grace's birthday party, a ballet called The Ballet of the Toys. A professional cabaret troupe will also be performing at the party, and when the troupe arrives, it turns out they themselves will be performing The Ballet of the Toys, which forces the staff to go to Plan B.

Series 7 (1979)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
7-1 The Junior David Croft David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
19 October 1979
When Mr. Tebbs retires, Mr. Humphries and Mr. Lucas are both promoted, so Mr. Rumbold and Young Mr. Grace advertise for candidates for the junior position. Harry Goldberg, a gifted salesman with an endearing personality, immediately makes himself popular with all the staff, except with Captain Peacock, whom Mr. Goldberg says he used to know.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
7-2 Strong Stuff This Insurance Gordon Elsbury David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
26 October 1979
The staff gets the opportunity to participate in a lucrative group insurance scheme that will land them all sizable pensions upon retirement. Unfortunately, they must first pass through a physical examination. In an effort to shape up without spending too much money, Mr. Humphries enlists his former ballet instructor (played by Amanda Barrie) to get them up to snuff. After their physicals, they retreat to Young Mr. Grace's office to learn the results... and what they hear shocks them. Guest starring Joy Allen.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
7-3 The Apartment David Croft,
Gordon Elsbury
David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
2 November 1979
Mrs. Slocombe is rendered temporarily homeless after squatters invade her new flat. After her co-workers fail to provide accommodation, Young Mr. Grace allows her to move into the store's Furniture Fitting Department. Mrs. Slocombe turns the floor into a cozy home-away-from-home, but her space is soon invaded when a transport strike forces her co-workers to move in. Guest starring Jeffrey Holland.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
7-4 Mrs. Slocombe, Senior Person Gordon Elsbury David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
9 November 1979
Mr. Rumbold takes ill with a nasty bout of food poisoning and Young Mr.Grace appoints Mrs. Slocombe to take his place. Clearly relishing her new role, Mrs. Slocombe holes up in Mr. Rumbold's office, descending to the commoners only to flaunt her executive status. However, when sales in the Ladies' Department begin to skyrocket in her absence, Mrs. Slocombe fears that she'll be given the boot once Mr. Rumbold gets back. A poisoned pastry in Mr. Rumbold's desk, however, changes everything. Guest starring Avril Angers and Gorden Kaye.

Note: Favourite Episode of Mollie Sugden, Repeated on 18 July 2009 as part of Tribute After Her Death on 1 July (2 weeks before).

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
7-5 The Hero Gordon Elsbury David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
16 November 1979
Mr. Franco (played by Jackie Pallo) of the Sports Department uncovers an embarrassing secret about Captain Peacock and spreads gossip among the entire department store. To save face, Captain Peacock's colleagues urge him to challenge Franco into a boxing match. At the last minute, however, Captain Peacock withdraws and Mr. Humphries steps in to defend Captain Peacock's honour — in a hastily improvised wrestling match.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
7-6 Anything You Can Do Gordon Elsbury David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
23 November 1979
When the staff complains one time too many about the food and service in the canteen, the caterers issue an ultimatum: present them with a written apology or man the canteen themselves. To preserve their dignity, they choose the latter option, but very quickly find the subtle art of cookery quite challenging. Guest starring Ronnie Brody.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
7-7 The Agent Gordon Elsbury David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
30 November 1979
Mr. Goldberg is running a lucrative side business recruiting his colleagues for higher paid sales positions in competing department stores. When Mr. Humphries and Mrs. Slocombe receive offers for the job of their dreams, Mr. Rumbold and Captain Peacock struggle to find a way to make them stay, without actually giving them rises. Guest starring Jeffrey Segal.

Christmas special (1979)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
7-8 The Punch and Judy Affair David Croft David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
26 December 1979
The Gentlemen's and Ladies' departments become pariahs when they choose not to take part in a company-wide strike. In an attempt to regain favour, the departments stage a life size Punch and Judy show to entertain the children of the store's staff. Mr. Humphries directs, Mr. Lucas and Miss Brahms play the title roles, and Mrs. Slocombe brings convincing masculinity to the role of Police Woman. This is the last appearance of Mr. Lucas.

Series 8 (1981)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
8-1 Is It Catching? John Kilby David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
9 April 1981
Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Lucas are replaced by Mr. Grossman and Mr. Spooner, and Young Mr. Grace steps down, handing over the reins to his brother, Old Mr. Grace. Meanwhile, Mr. Humphries contracts a rare malady known as "Marine's Disease," and the entire staff is quarantined in the basement to prevent it from spreading. Guest starring John D. Collins.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
8-2 A Personal Problem John Kilby David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
16 April 1981
Captain Peacock's marriage is on the rocks again, but this time, it is Mrs. Peacock who is guilty of philandering. When the cuckold Captain suspects his wife's mysterious lover is none other than Mr. Rumbold, he goes to great lengths to make sure he catches them in the act. Guest starring Jack Haig.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
8-3 Front Page Story John Kilby David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
23 April 1981
Old Mr. Grace decides to publish an in-store magazine and appoints Mr. Humphries as its editor. Mr. Humphries finds himself up to his neck with the gossip column, but his greatest challenge proves to be ensuring the staff bonuses by orchestrating a beauty contest with Miss Brahms as the ringer. When Miss Brahms refuses, Mrs. Slocombe "sacrifices (herself) for the sake of the department" and fills in, but ironically it's Mr. Humphries (as Miss Do-It-Yourself) who gets the win AND a holiday on Old Mr. Grace's yacht, much to his displeasure.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
8-4 Sit Out John Kilby David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
30 April 1981
Sales dip so low that Old Mr. Grace is forced to cut everyone's salary by 10%. Insulted, the staff takes to the roof to protest, but their attempts to rally the rest of the world to their cause hits a snag when a fire breaks out.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
8-5 Heir Apparent John Kilby David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
7 May 1981
Mr. Klein takes over from Mr. Grossman as head of the menswear department. After seeing a photo of Mr. Humphries's mother, Old Mr. Grace thinks that Mr. Humphries may just be his long lost son and heir, and Mr. Humphries' mother (played by John Inman) is called in to settle the matter.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
8-6 Closed Circuit John Kilby David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
21 May 1981
Grace Brothers decides to advertise on television screens, and while Miss Brahms is the face of the advert, Old Mr. Grace's nurse is the voice. When a peer, Lord Hirly, sees the advert, he falls in love with the voice, which means that when he invites Miss Brahms out to dinner, she and the staff have to attempt to make him believe that Miss Brahms has the nurse's voice. Guest starring Gorden Kaye and John D. Collins.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
8-7 The Erotic Dreams of Mrs. Slocombe John Kilby David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
28 May 1981
Mrs. Slocombe is becoming increasingly fond of Mr. Humphries, and showers him with presents. The obsession soon drives her to alcoholism, and it is decided that to cure her Mr. Humphries must show her attention when they attend the ballet. Guest starring Jack Haig and Rusty Goffe.

Christmas special (1981)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
8-8 Roots? John Kilby David Croft,
Jeremy Lloyd
24 December 1981
It is Old Mr. Grace's birthday, and the department wants to bring a musical tribute to the Grace family. Mr. Rumbold's brother Mycroft (played by Nicholas Smith) then sets out to trace the Grace family tree, which leads to Wales, Scotland, Somerset and (apparently) the American antebellum South.

Harold Bennett makes a final appearance as Young Mr. Grace; the episode aired three months after his death.

Series 9 (1983)[edit | edit source]

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
9-1 The Sweet Smell of Success DirectedBy=Bob Spiers WrittenBy=Jeremy Lloyd OriginalAirDate=22 April 1983
Mrs. Slocombe decides to sell her home-made perfume in the shop. It has to happen under the counter since Mr. Rumbold would never approve of this, and what is more, the perfume seems to have some quite extraordinary qualities. Unfortunately, one of them involves threatening the already fragile marriage of Captain and Mrs. Peacock.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
9-2 Conduct Unbecoming Bob Spiers Jeremy Lloyd 29 April 1983
Mr. Humphries is becoming frequently late for work, and it is soon revealed that an argument with his mother has forced him to move out. When money then goes missing from the till, Mr. Humphries is accused of theft and Grace Brothers put him on trial. With Captain Peacock acting as the prosecutor, Mrs. Slocombe as Mr. Humphries' defendor, and Miss Belfridge being removed from the jury for being "biased", it's a trial to remember. Mr. Humphries is found guilty and forced to resign, much to everyone's dismay. However, the missing money turns up at the back of the till, exonerating Mr. Humphries. To add to his sudden fortune, he makes up with his mother.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
9-3 Memories Are Made of This Bob Spiers Jeremy Lloyd 6 May 1983
When hit on the head with a golf ball, Mrs. Slocombe loses her memory. She thinks that she is a little girl and it is indeed hard for the rest of staff, who want to hide her behaviour from Mr. Rumbold at all costs. By day's end, Mrs. Slocombe regains her memory and gets one of the in-stock fur coats as a peace offering. It turns out that she only lost her memory for a moment, but had faked the rest so that she could get her coat. Guest starring Ballard Berkeley.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
9-4 Calling All Customers Bob Spiers Jeremy Lloyd 13 May 1983
For Grace Brothers, there may be a market in advertising on CB radio. The staff is asked to perform a CB radio play but they cannot agree on the plot. Mr. Harmon's country tale is chosen instead, and the staff get to work on rehearsals. But to their horror, the rehearsals get broadcast throughout London, prompting censorship threats and the wrong type of people coming to Grace Brothers. Guest starring Nosher Powell and Ron Tarr, with voices of Vicki Michelle and Robbie Coltrane.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
9-5 Monkey Business Bob Spiers Jeremy Lloyd 20 May 1983
The staff had been promised a rise, but when they hear that they are not going to get it, they decide to go to 10 Downing Street to protest to the Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (voiced by Jan Ravens). Meanwhile, a monkey has escaped from the Pet Department. Guest starring John D. Collins.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
9-6 Lost and Found Bob Spiers Jeremy Lloyd 27 May 1983
ShortSummary=Mrs. Slocombe's cat, Tiddles, has gone missing. Knowing how much she cared for the cat and fearing the worst, the staff decides to buy Mrs. Slocombe a kitten. Mr. Humphries is set to make the presentation, but Mrs. Slocombe misinterprets it as a marriage proposal and accepts, to the shock of everyone. Guest starring Norman Mitchell.

Series 10 (1984-1985)[edit | edit source]

For this series, the episodes were filmed in 1984, but aired in 1985. Therefore, at the end credits, the year reads as MCMLXXXIV (1984) and not MCMLXXXV (1985)

Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
10-1 Goodbye Mrs. Slocombe Martin Shardlow Jeremy Lloyd 18 February 1985
Staff above a certain age are to be made redundant, and this applies to Mrs. Slocombe. She refuses to leave Grace Brothers and becomes a cleaner. The staff want to get her back on the floor at all costs, especially when she is being replaced with the more-than-annoying Miss Featherstone. Fortunately, Mr. Humphries comes to the rescue as only he can, prompting Miss Featherstone to leave. Mrs. Slocombe is reinstated, but new regulations force Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold into lower positions.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
10-2 Grounds For Divorce Martin Shardlow Jeremy Lloyd 25 February 1985
Captain Peacock has serious marital trouble. A certain Miss Bagnold is completely infatuated with him and when she joins Grace Brothers, Captain Peacock soon finds his position unbearable. He must choose whether he will stay with Mrs. Peacock or not, and is prepared to go to extreme measures to solve his problems.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
10-3 The Hold Up Martin Shardlow Jeremy Lloyd 4 March 1985
The staff stay in late for stocktaking, but two robbers infiltrate the building and take Miss Brahms hostage. Captain Peacock and Mr. Spooner pretend to be police officers, but the robbers do not believe them. The only thing the robbers are afraid of is the vicious Gumby Gang, so Mr. Harman, Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Humphries pretend to be Pa Gumby, Mad Ma Gumby and their son, Italian Toni. Guest starring Michael Attwell and Ian Collier.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
10-4 Gambling Fever Martin Shardlow Jeremy Lloyd 11 March 1985
The staff are finally paid out their long-expected bonuses. When Mr. Harman tells them he knows of a horse that absolutely cannot lose that afternoon's race, they all bet their £100 bonus on the horse. They want to watch the race on the television in Mr. Rumbold's office, but he catches them and throws them out. Mr. Harman tells them that they have lost their bonuses, but they can win them back by betting on another horse.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
10-5 The Night Club Martin Shardlow Jeremy Lloyd 18 March 1985
Mr. Grace gives the staff permission to use the department floor after hours to make more money for the store. It is soon decided to set up a night club with food and music. Mr. Humphries has a friend in the local cinema who will broadcast a promotional film for the "Club Rendezvous". But when the staff are all at the cinema (which shows films of questionable taste) and the film is about to be broadcast, there are some technical problems and the promotion is reduced to sound-only. Guest starring Ronnie Brody.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
10-6 Friends and Neighbours Martin Shardlow Jeremy Lloyd 25 March 1985
In response to the staff's complaints about rising transportation costs, Mr. Grace offers the overnight use of some penthouse apartments above the store. However, the staff's patience with each other is pushed to its limit when they have to live together as well as work together, especially when Capt. Peacock tries to bring Miss Belfridge along. Crying babies, a hideaway bed, and a beanbag add to the misery.
Ep. Title Directed by: Written by: Airdate
10-7 The Pop Star Martin Shardlow Jeremy Lloyd 1 April 1985
Just when it looks like his career at Grace Brothers is finished, the perennially tardy Mr. Spooner finds the rest of the staff competing for his favour after a record company offers him a contract. They are all jockeying for parts as backup singers, but are worried that Mr. Spooner's voice will not hold out. On a local television show, "Around London", their fears are confirmed, resulting in a finale filled with lip-synching and faulty sound equipment.

References[edit | edit source]

  1. 19:30 (2010-01-01). "Two Programmes - Are You Being Served?, Pilot". BBC. Retrieved 2010-08-12. 

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Richard Webber, "I'm Free! - The Complete Are You Being Served?", Orion Books, 1999. ISBN 0 75281 866 X

External links[edit | edit source]