Sid (
John Comer; 1973–1983,
Tony Melody; 1983) Bluff café owner, who featured prominently for the first ten years, before Comer's death in 1984. Ivy remembers him fondly, and often mentions him in conversation. Sid was one of the few characters who actually seemed to enjoy getting involved in the misadventures of the three central characters, and often saw them as an excuse to get out of the café for a few hours. However, he was occasionally shown to be extremely irritated by some of their schemes and antics (most notably in the episode "Getting on Sidney's wire" where he gets angry with Foggy for ruining his attempts to fit a new doorbell to the cafe and subsequently throws him out). Like Wally Batty, he often welcomed Compo's affection for his wife. In one episode, he remarks that he "can't help admiring Compo's nerve". Ivy and Sid often shouted and argued with each other, and Ivy was never shy about bringing up Sid's infidelity; but, as with many of the show's couples, there was little doubt that they loved each other. Throughout his time in the series, Sid and Wally were shown to be best friends and the two of them often joined each other in trying to sneak away from their wives to the pub or any other activity, often involving the main trio. Another long
running gag during his time on the show were ongoing rumours of his supposed affair with a local unseen bus conductress. Ivy was aware of this and often accused him of being unfaithful. Although Sid once admitted to the trio he was friends with the conductress, he always flatly denied the rumours and, despite the odd verbal hint, very little evidence of this was ever seen onscreen. For John Comer's last ever appearance, in the 1983 feature-length Christmas special, "Getting Sam Home", illness caused by cancer affected his speech, and so his lines were dubbed over by another actor,
Tony Melody. Comer died two months later in February 1984. Sid's death was eventually referred to in the 1986
New Year's Day special "Uncle of the Bride". It was hinted after his death that Sid was a supporter of
Manchester United. After his death, Sid was often mentioned by Ivy usually during the ladies' coffee mornings. In the 2000 episode "Just a Small Funeral", as Ivy is getting ready for Compo's funeral, she finds a photo of Sid in her handbag. The cafe was later named Sid's Cafe.
Ivy (
Jane Freeman; 1973–2010) Joint owner of café with husband Sid, with whom she would often have blazing rows in the kitchen, until his death. She later ran it alone. Physically formidable, she viciously scolded anyone who dared misbehave or criticise the food by throwing them out the café or often hitting them on the head with a tray. Generally the wisest and most level-headed of the show's female social circle, she was also on occasion a target of Compo's unwanted affection, who often said that if it wasn't for Nora Batty, he'd be all over her. This regularly resulted in Compo along with the others (sometimes including Sid) being thrown out or being on the receiving end of her anger in other ways. In earlier episodes, she was shown to tolerate the main trio more when they visited the café. In widowhood, she became stricter with them, although after Compo's death she became more amused by their antics. Ivy is the only character other than Clegg (
Peter Sallis) to have been present throughout the course of the series, although Clegg is the only one to have appeared in every episode. In some of the episodes, particularly earlier ones, she seemed to have a rivalry with Nora. Ivy would often criticize Nora's taste in hats, and Nora once said Ivy's pastry wasn't light enough (which succeeded in bringing Ivy to the verge of tears). It is unknown if she took Sid’s surname when she married as his surname was never revealed, but Ivy’s surname was said to be Bolton in
First of the Summer Wine. In that prequel series, the character is played by Sarah Dangerfield.
Nora Batty (
Kathy Staff; 1973–2001, 2003–2008)
Wally Batty (
Joe Gladwin; 1975–1987) Nora's perennially shell-shocked husband and Compo's next-door neighbour, Wally Batty was a short and quiet man, kept on a short leash by his wife. His relationship with Nora stood in stark contrast to Compo's unrequited lust after her; in fact, he often welcomed the prospect of Compo running off with her. Initially mentioned but not seen, he was generally seen doing chores or stealing a quick moment away from Nora at the pub. Despite being dominated by his wife, Wally had an acerbic wit and was often quick to reply with a sharp-tongued comment when Nora told him off, though this often caused more trouble for him. Wally had a passion for racing pigeons and owned a motorbike and sidecar, occasionally taking Nora for a spin around the countryside. When Joe Gladwin died in 1987, Wally died off-screen, but he was still occasionally mentioned. Gladwin last appeared in series 9. He died just days before the broadcast of his final appearance. In the
Comedy Playhouse pilot, the character (still unseen) was referred to as Harold. The character was played by Gary Whitaker in the prequel series
First of the Summer Wine.
Wesley Pegden (
Gordon Wharmby; 1982, 1984–2002) Edie's husband, who spent all his time in his workshop. In one of the most popular and often reused scenes in the series, Edie would call Wesley in from his garage and lay down a trail of newspaper for him to stand on, often also slipping sheets onto chairs and walls he was inclined to sit or lean against. Wesley generally kept out of Edie's way in his garage, restoring old motors. Mechanic Wesley was often called upon by the main trio to construct the many bizarre creations they came up with, and to drive them into the hills for test runs. One recurring theme is the occasional explosion caused by projects in Wesley's shed accompanied by billows of white smoke. On some occasions, Wesley's hat is also smouldering and smoking. In his early years in the series, Wesley seemed to have a love of loud
rock music, which led to the trio desperately trying to call over it to get his attention on a number of occasions. Though he was clearly a very skilled builder and mechanic, much of his projects were poorly and hastily built and he would get easily embarrassed and annoyed by anyone managing to fix something he can't (notably, Compo once managed to rewire Edie's car correctly, much to Wesley's annoyance). Unlike Edie, Wesley did not speak highly of Seymour (Wesley calling him a pillock) and was often annoyed by Seymour's requests to construct the latter's ridiculous inventions as well as Seymour's pompous school headmaster nature. His attitude towards Foggy was similar to that of Seymour but during later years when Truly was introduced on the show he was shown to be more willing to help the trio out in their schemes. Sometimes Wesley would be extremely secretive about his inventions (largely down to his fear of other people copying them) but they were often exposed by the main trio or Edie and would go to extreme lengths to hide what he was building (on one occasion he kept a guard dog in his shed that chased Barry away). The character first appeared in the 1982 episode "Car and Garter" in a cameo role. The writer and producers liked him so much they brought him back for "The Loxley Lozenge" and again in "Who's Looking After The Cafe Then?". He reappeared in the 1985 feature-length Christmas special "Uncle of the Bride", in which he was established as Edie's husband, at which point both became regulars from this special thereafter. When Gordon Wharmby died in 2002, the character is said to have also died. Although he was not formally written out, subsequent references to him were in the past tense. His character was last referenced by Glenda in the final series when she claimed "my mother’s idea of naked was my father with his cap off". He appears in archive footage in the episode "It's Never Ten Years" (Series 29, Episode 10) marking 10 years since Compo died although isn't credited.
PC Cooper (
Ken Kitson; 1983, 1988–2010, 2014) Kitson first appeared in the 1983 Christmas special "Getting Sam Home" and made two further guest appearances before becoming a semi-regular character from series 12 onwards. In series 29 he was finally given the name PC Cooper. Cooper tends to be the bigger-headed of the two, but he has many ingenious ways of dealing with petty crimes with minimal disruption to his relaxation. In his first episode he is shown to be a friend of Sid's (which was the latter's last appearance on the show before his death). PC Cooper's wife,
Mrs Cooper, was often spoken of by Cooper in a negative way, but sometimes he would discuss ways to impress her. Kitson returned to the role of PC Cooper in a set of shorts, written by Roy Clarke, two of which were released exclusively online. These shorts served as pilots to a potential spin-off that never came to be. The two released shorts are titled "Under Fire" and "Guardians of the Law".
"Crusher" Milburn (
Jonathan Linsley; 1984–1987) Sid and Ivy's giant, lumbering and very strong nephew, who looked like a younger version of his own late uncle. The character was first introduced in 1984, following the death of John Comer (who played Sid in the series). Crusher helped his widowed auntie Ivy out in the cafe for 3½ years. His real name was Milburn, but he insisted on being called "Crusher". He was influenced by the Rock and Rollers of the 1950s and was into
heavy metal music. Well-meaning but not overly bright, he was rather easily led. Crusher was first seen in the touring stage show around 1984 before being introduced into the 8th series. In the 1988 Christmas Special "Crums" he was shown to have a girlfriend (though Crusher himself did not appear in this episode as Jonathan Linsley had left the show by then) named Fran (played by
Yvette Fielding) who, according to Ivy, was as daft as he is. In his early episodes, he seemed to have a crush on Marina much to Ivy's displeasure. This stemmed from the fact that Ivy told him to find "some poor lass that's had a hard time". However Crusher did not return in the tenth series, as Jonathan Linsley left the show to work on other TV projects. Most of the character's humour came from the contrast between his menacing size and his total harmlessness. Following his departure in early 1988 (after the 1987 Christmas special), Ivy ran the cafe alone (with occasional help from Nora Batty).
Marina (
Jean Fergusson; 1985–2010) Howard's busty love interest Marina works in the local supermarket. Despite her carefree appearance, Marina is a long-suffering type, having to deal with the disapproval of the prominent village women, the indirect wrath of Pearl, and timorous and neglectful romancing by Howard. She is often thought of as a "tart", and not without reason. She seems to have a soft spot for Clegg (often referring to him as "Norman Clegg that was" implying that they have a past), and occasionally briefly leaves Howard for other men. In the episode "A Double For Howard", she is also content for Eli to kiss her when he impersonates Howard. Marina works as a check-out girl at the local
Co-op (although in her initial scenes in the series, the store's name was seen as Lodges). Lodges store was closed by the Co-op in 1997 and the former store is now home to a number of other retailers; Howard often sneaks there to pass or receive notes from her (or more often sends Norman Clegg in his place; leading on several occasions for Marina to believe mistakenly that Clegg is interested in her romantically). In "A Sidecar Named Desire" Clegg reveals that he was once trapped in a lift with Marina and she cuddled him for warmth, much to Howard's ire and jealousy. Though she perceived it to be a romantic incident, it left Clegg terrified of her. Clegg always strongly denies any romantic interest in her. Marina first appeared in the spin-off 1984
Eastbourne summer season show, and soon became a regular character.
Howard Sibshaw (
Robert Fyfe; 1985–2010) Howard is the shy, beady-eyed, constantly conniving, simpering, henpecked husband of Pearl. Doubtless owing to his wife's domineering nature, Howard often tries to escape from her. Most episodes involve Howard dating
peroxide blonde Marina, behind his wife's back. In most episodes, Marina would simper, "Oh Howard", followed by Howard's "Oh Marina" – sometimes the order was reversed. He is a creative but unconvincing liar. He and Pearl live next door to Clegg, and, much to the annoyance of the latter, Howard is always pestering him for aid in his various schemes to escape Pearl and be with Marina. Over the years he has come up with countless disguises, cover stories and hideaways to allow him to see Marina, all of which have ultimately been doomed or exposed by Pearl. In their earlier appearances, they were frequently shown in disguise with Howard saying, "I think we've really cracked it this time". However, he tends to ignore Marina when he's out with her, partly out of fear of his wife Pearl, and partly because he gets so deeply caught up in fabricating charades to cover up his affair. As a result, their relationship does not appear to have gone beyond hand-holding and gazing into each other's eyes (much to the annoyance of Marina), and the occasional kiss in a field, haystack, or mobile hut somewhere, and it is hinted that if Howard ever
did get the chance, he would be too cowardly to go through with it anyway. It has also been suggested that Howard loves Pearl underneath it all. In later series Howard was shown to be out of the house more regularly (despite Pearl knowing about his attempted affair with Marina) and eventually became more involved in the schemes of the main trio. Howard first appeared in the
Bournemouth summer season show of the series, and was popular enough and felt to have enough potential that he was soon brought into the series in 1985. At first, he, Pearl and Marina were used semi-regularly, but as time passed and their popularity grew, they would appear in every episode (particularly after Wally Batty died). Howard and Pearl's surname was given as Sibshaw in Roy Clarke's novel
The Moonbather in 1987, but only mentioned once in the entire TV series, in one of the last episodes, when Glenda refers to Howard as Mr. Sibshaw.
Pearl Sibshaw (
Juliette Kaplan; 1985–2010) Howard's wife, a bit of a shrew and always one step ahead of his crafty schemes, she is often shown to know about his (attempted) affair with Marina, but is almost gleefully obsessed with exposing Howard's philandering and generally tormenting him. Although she has a fearsome reputation, she, like Nora, occasionally surprises Norman Clegg and others (not including Howard) with displays of kindness, especially after Compo died. She also showed shock when, after seeing Howard in the appropriate uniform, believed he had joined the
French foreign legion and outright fainted in a Christmas Special when Compo casually remarked that Howard was in Wesley's hearse. When she was first introduced on the show, Pearl was somewhat naive, especially towards Howard's affair with Marina. When introduced to the ladies' tea group, Nora, Ivy, and Edie integrated her into the group and, over time, her demeanour has hardened. Her accent also changed during the series.
Edie Pegden (
Dame Thora Hird; 1986–2003) Edith Pegden, Edie to her friends, was a highly opinionated older woman, sister of Seymour Utterthwaite (who always called her Edith) and Wesley's wife, she was the house-proud hostess of the women's coffee mornings. She was introduced, along with Seymour, daughter Glenda and son-in-law Barry in the 1986 New Years Day special episode "Uncle of the Bride" (husband Wesley had been introduced in 1982, four years before). The ladies' coffee mornings, where they would sit and discuss life (particularly the shortcomings of men), became a popular staple of the show from the early 1990s onwards; they were usually held in Edie's front room. Wesley restored a red convertible
Triumph Herald for her to drive, although she was a terrible driver, and was always accusing Wesley of moving things (particularly the gear lever and clutch) around. The other ladies (including Glenda) often accompanied her on the roads and as a result of Edie's poor driving, they would be fearing for their lives. Another running gag was Edie making a big performance of locking the front door, repeatedly pushing it to check that it was locked properly, a trait that Glenda, her daughter, appears to have inherited in some episodes. When her brother Seymour was around Edie would speak very highly of him and his inventions (refusing to count his numerous failed ones) despite the other ladies thinking he is just as daft as the rest of the trio (although when Seymour's antics became extreme Edie would secretly be annoyed and embarrassed). In later years Hird, who was still in the series at the age of 91, suffered from poor health, which affected her ability to stand. To cover this, she was often seen sitting down, or, when standing, had something to hold on to due to her frailty (often out of camera shot). For driving and distance shots, her double, Amy Shaw, was used. When Thora Hird died in 2003, Edie was also said to have died. As with her husband Wesley previously, it was not immediately made obvious, but later references to the character indicated that she had died. In the final three series, a framed photo of Edie can be seen on Barry and Glenda's
mantelpiece. In one episode Barry talks about ghosts and Glenda asks if he had seen her mother. Barry's response in the negative includes immense gladness, in that she scared him enough alive. For the first few series in which she appeared, Edie was extremely concerned with her reputation in the neighbourhood: whenever there was company, Edie would try to put on a posh, educated voice – which would suddenly vanish when she was shouting for (or at) Wesley. Edie's character was a prototype for
Hyacinth Bucket in
Keeping Up Appearances (also written by
Roy Clarke). In the episode "Who's That Bloke With Nora Batty Then?" Edie says the line "Pegden residence, the lady of the house speaking" in order to seem of a higher class. This would later be used by Clarke word-perfect for Hyacinth's catchphrase "Bucket residence, the lady of the house speaking". Once the latter series was created, this aspect of Edie's personality was toned down a bit (although not completely) in order to differentiate the two characters.
Barry Wilkinson (
Mike Grady; 1986–1990, 1996–2010) meek and mild husband of Glenda. Dull and ineffectual, building society employee Barry strives for executive advancement and adventure but seems destined for paperwork and domesticity. His one pride is his shiny new car, which he was always trying to keep away from father-in-law Wesley, who could not resist tinkering under the bonnet (although in one episode, he did completely dismantle the engine). Barry is often trying out new hobbies in an attempt to stop his life being humdrum; and in more recent years, has made a number of attempts to fit in at a local golf club, often upsetting the golf captain "the Major". Though he clearly loved his wife he was afraid to kiss her in public, out of fear of being judged by the neighbours. He was also afraid of his mother in law Edie, largely because she (along with the other ladies) would often judge Barry or accuse him of being guilty. In later series Barry became more regularly involved in the schemes of the main trio and in series 28–29 was often involved in schemes with Alvin, Entwistle and Howard. After being introduced in the feature-length "Uncle of the Bride" in 1986, which centres around Barry and Glenda's wedding, Barry was much-mentioned but not seen for around six years when Mike Grady originally left to pursue several other television projects, before returning as a regular from 1996 thereafter. He is one of the few characters to have left the series but returned in later series.
Glenda Wilkinson (
Sarah Thomas; 1986–2010) daughter of Edie and Wesley. The other women in the group consider that she is somewhat naive, even when she reaches middle-age; when her mother was alive, if she attempted to join in a mature conversation, Edie would snap "Drink your coffee!" She speaks glowingly of her husband Barry, but is often insecure and unsatisfied with him at home, often because of the pressure of her mother and other ladies in the group. She often comes to the defence of men when other women in the group speak the worst about them and does not believe that all men are evil, as they do. Likewise she is generally shown to be kinder to the main trio than the other ladies (particularly when her uncle Seymour was with them and notably in the episode "The McDonaghs of Jamieson Street" she lends Billy a skirt after his trousers are mauled by a vicious dog). She appears, like her husband, to have a very meek demeanour, but under duress she has proven to be quite a force to be reckoned with. In the very last episode of the programme, Glenda clearly seems to have joined the bossy Yorkshire women's brigade in her suggestions to Barry and Morton that are, in Barry's words "not optional". Although the rest of the ladies (particularly Pearl) disliked the flirtatious Marina, Glenda was seen to strike up friendship with her on a number of occasions (although this role was generally taken by Miss Davenport in the later series).
Eli Duckett (
Danny O'Dea; 1987–2002) An extremely long-sighted bumbler, Eli maintained a highly cheerful, friendly attitude despite not having a clue what was going on around him. He generally made only brief cameo appearances, walking into a scene and commenting on his long-sighted misinterpretation of the action, and then walking off again. He was occasionally seen on a bicycle. On occasion, his long-sightedness caused him to walk into slapstick (and carefully choreographed) mishaps such as walking into the back of a lorry and over the tops of cars, or falling into a skip. For much of his time in the series, Eli also had a
Jack Russell dog (which once disappeared, leading Eli to mistake a sheep for the dog). Despite his long-sightedness, Eli is eternally cheerful and optimistic, and glad to see anyone who stops to talk to him. In one episode, a passing comment by Compo seemed to suggest that Eli was a sniper during the
Second World War. In the 1995 New Year Special episode featuring Sir Norman Wisdom, "The Man Who Nearly Knew Pavarotti", Eli is the conductor of the Holme Silver Band. Originally brought in as a friend of Wally Batty, the character was so popular that Eli remained on the show after the death of actor
Joe Gladwin. Eli and Wally appeared together in the series 9 episode, "Jaws", in 1987. Eli never appeared again following the departure from production of the series, and eventual death of O'Dea, though the character was not explicitly killed off. He was replaced in one episode by two drunks (who were also in earlier episodes of the series, sometimes credited as Villagers), but appeared in only a few episodes. When Eli left the policeman’s role was extended and they served as a replacement to the Eli gags.
Second Policeman (
Tony Capstick; 1987, 1990–2004) Capstick made his first appearance in the 1987 special "Big Day at Dream Acres", before becoming a semi-regular alongside Kitson from series 12 in 1990, up to his death in late 2003. His last appearance was the episode "Yours Truly – If You're Not Careful". Capstick's character was spacey and less intelligent even than the often-oblivious Cooper. In a 2005 episode, his character was said to have transferred to Huddersfield.
Clem "Smiler" Hemingway (
Stephen Lewis; 1988, 1990–2007) Eternally miserable and none-too-bright comic foil, Clem "Smiler" Hemingway was similar to Lewis' previous character Inspector Cyril "Blakey" Blake in
LWT's hit comedy
On the Buses (some episodes of which he co-wrote) from 1969 to 1973. Smiler was first mentioned (as Smiler Ogden) in the episode 'Edie and the Automobile' and was first seen as a one-off character in 1988's "That Certain Smile", in which the trio had to sneak a hospitalised Smiler's beloved dog Bess in to see him. During his first appearance he was referred to by everyone else as his real name "Clem". The character was popular enough to be brought back on a semi-regular basis, and was a regular throughout the 1990s and most of the 2000s (although his dog died between his first and second appearances). In some early appearances, he was a
lollipop man, but for much of his time on the show worked for Auntie Wainwright, with whom he seems to be suffering some sort of indentured servitude. In early appearances, Smiler was also a lodger with Nora Batty, which enraged the jealous Compo. Smiler once described that working for Nora Batty was like being in the Army again, and always on Jankers. He also described it akin to jail at Stalag 14. Smiler also owned a big, but rather beaten up and poorly maintained, white convertible
1972 Chevrolet Impala, in which he sometimes drove around with Tom, and which on occasion has been used in various promotions for Auntie Wainwright. The trio would often cross paths with Smiler and use him for whatever scheme or activity they were doing (largely because of his tall height and gormless nature). Smiler was last seen in the series 28 episode "Sinclair and the Wormley Witches". Lewis left the show at the end of series 28 because of ill health. He was last mentioned in the series 29 episode "Of Passion and Pizza" by Tom's saying that Smiler had disappeared.
PC Walsh (
Louis Emerick; 1988–1989, 2004–2010, 2014) Emerick first appeared alongside Kitson in "Downhill Racer". He made one more appearance in the next series, in the episode "Three Men and a Mangle", and later reappeared in 2004 to partner Kitson after Tony Capstick's death. In series 29 he was finally given the name PC Walsh. Walsh is more level-headed than Cooper and enjoys "taking the mickey", but he tends to be a little more naïve. Emerick returned to the role of PC Walsh in a set of shorts, written by Roy Clarke, two of which were released exclusively online. These shorts served as pilots to a potential spin-off that never came to be. The two released shorts are titled "Under Fire" and "Guardians of the Law".
Auntie Wainwright (
Jean Alexander; 1988–1989, 1992–2010) Howard's aunt, a sly and grasping
bric-a-brac shop owner. Whilst she and her nephew both have a general predisposition towards sneakiness, Auntie Wainwright is much more adept at applying it. Everyone calls her "Auntie" although she appears to be a literal aunt only to Howard. Clegg is reluctant to go into her shop, since she always sells him something he doesn't want, but she usually finds ways to trick him into entering. She is extremely mean, and pretends to be cheated when she gives the slightest discount. At Compo's funeral, she grabbed Eli by the arm and pretended to be blind in order to avoid giving money to a collection outside the church. Whenever customers entered the shop she would surprise them by talking through a loudspeaker, saying things like "Stay where you are!", "Don't touch anything or you will be electrocuted", (or things of that nature). Though she is largely based in her usual junk shop, she was occasionally shown to own (or she was the tenant of) other shops and even junkyards (which comes to the shock of the trio and other characters). She was also extremely security conscious (even pointing a
shotgun at the trio on one occasion). As with several other characters, she was originally seen in a "one-off" appearance in the 1988 Christmas Special "
Crums". However she became so popular that she was brought back for a second appearance at Christmas 1989, eventually becoming a regular from 1992 thereafter. Note: Auntie Wainwright has no known relation to
Mr Wainwright from the library.
Roz Utterthwaite (
Dora Bryan; 2000–2005) Edie's and Seymour's sister, who has always been more romantically adventurous, to Edie's unending shame. She often speaks of past flings, frequently with married men. She was often paired with Pearl Sibshaw. Roz was last seen at the end of the 26th series following the departure of Dora Bryan owing to ill health. Her role of being paired with Pearl was replaced by June Whitfield's character Nelly. Before Roz, actually appeared in the series, she had never been mentioned and it was not known that Edie and Seymour had a sister. In the credits her name is spelt both "Roz" and "Ros" on numerous occasions.
"Lolly" Minerva Avery (
Julie T. Wallace; 2000–2001) Lolita "Lolly" Minerva Avery, known as Mrs. Avery to most, was Tom's live-in "associate"; much larger than him, and something of a battle-axe, yet rather easily manipulated. Although Tom always insisted that she was merely an acquaintance, Mrs Avery always wanted more, and was under the impression that Tom had promised to marry her. After a brief spell of living in the pair's bus, they moved into the deceased Compo's home, next-door to Nora Batty. During her stay at Compo's home, she began a rivalry with Nora, often copying each other (cleaning their windows or vacuuming their rugs). This was not to last; she threw Tom out and disappeared from the series after two years on the show. '''''' (Helen Turaya; 2000) was Mrs. Avery's niece who arrived with Tom, involved in a couple of schemes. The character was so unpopular that she was axed after just three episodes without explanation.
Morton Beemish (
Christopher Beeny; 2001–2005, 2007–2010) Originally known as the "Repo Man" Herman Teesdale who is always pursuing Tom Simmonite, claiming that he owes money. He is determined but gullible, and Tom always evades him. From 2005 on, he has not only been mentioned by name, but also calls on Barry for social visits, with Barry not being too thrilled at this newfound friendship. In certain episodes in 2005, it is clear that he still repossesses belongings, which Glenda suggests is the reason none of his friendships lasted: he kept repossessing his friends' goods. The character returned in a 2007 episode of the show; and again in the 2008 New Year special, saying that he has retired from debt collecting and changed his name to Morton Beemish in order to start a new life for himself. He seeks out the friendship of his former nemesis, Tom (though Tom was still suspicious of him and would often hide from him when he saw sight of him). In the final two seasons 30–31 the character practically lives next door to Barry and Glenda as a near-lodger with Toby Mulberry Smith, (aka The Captain). A previous episode from 1989 featured a character called Jack Harry Teesdale but it is not established whether they're related.
Toby Mulberry Smith (
Trevor Bannister; 1992, 2001–2006, 2008–2010) The Captain of the local golf club where Barry is often trying to fit in as a member; but, despite his best efforts to impress him, Barry always manages to annoy or offend the Captain, either by becoming involved with some escapade with the main trio, or by some other social faux pas. He had previously played a tailor in the 1992 episode "Who's Got Rhythm?" which could be the same character but is unconfirmed. The Captain returned for the 2008 New Years Special "I Was A Hitman For Primrose Dairies", where he received a name, Toby, for the first time. In series 30 he moves in next door to Barry and Glenda and shortly after gains Morton Beemish (aka Herman Teesdale), the former repo man, as a near-lodger, since he's always there doing tasks around the house. During this time his relationship with Barry appeared to improve and the two (along with Glenda) would often bond over their annoyance of Morton.
Lucinda Davenport (
Josephine Tewson, 2003–2010) After many years of the library setting seldom being used, Miss Davenport was introduced as the new librarian in 2003. A very emotional woman haunted by a string of past rejections, she first appeared as a guest, driving Gavin Hinchcliffe (
Bernard Cribbins) around while he skied on the van roof. Originally, Glenda took up the cause of socializing her and tried to fit her in with the coffee-drinker circle of Nora, Ivy, Pearl, and co. They did not take too well to each other; in more recent episodes, she's bonded with Marina instead, with the pair of them both longing for love in their individual ways. In the episode: "In Which Howard Remembers Where He Left His Bicycle Pump", it is revealed that Miss Davenport's first name is "Lucinda".
Nelly (
Dame June Whitfield; 2001, 2005–2010) A more recent addition to the ladies' coffee-drinking set, and Pearl's comrade-in-arms. Nelly's never-seen husband Travis needs constant attention, which Nelly generally administers over her mobile phone. Nelly occasionally provides more "sophisticated" viewpoints as a result of having lived further south for some time, but even she regards them with some befuddlement. June Whitfield previously made a "one off" appearance in the series as a different character, Delphi Potts, in the 2001 Christmas Special, "Potts in Pole Position", married to Lother (played by
Warren Mitchell) a couple of years before she became a regular as Nelly. In Series 30, she became the object of Hobbo's obsession when he became convinced that she was his long-lost mother, much to her annoyance. She was one of the only two regular characters (the other being Ivy) not to appear in the final episode. She reveals to Hobbo her full name used to be Nelly Bradshaw, before marrying Travis.
Stella (
Barbara Young; 2008–2010) Stella is Nora's sister, she first appeared in the 2008 New Years Special, "I Was A Hitman for Primrose Dairies" as a replacement for and to compensate for the absence of actress Kathy Staff, (who was unable to continue her role as Nora owing to ill health and subsequent death). With Nora having departed for Australia, Stella moved in to house-sit for her sister, and had become a new member of the elder women's talking circle. She is a former pub landlady and appears to take a more free-spirited approach to life than Nora, as evidenced by her brighter wardrobe and hair. The storyline in her first episode saw her trying to give up smoking, and her yearning for a cigarette has continued unabated into subsequent episodes. Despite this she was equally annoyed as Nora by the pranks that Alvin played on her. In the episode "Get Out of That, Then" Young wore a brown wig and played the part of Florrie, wife of Barry's cousin Lenny (
Bobby Ball). == Supporting characters ==