31 July 2018
Multi-award-winning network, UKTV, has commissioned a brand-new retrospective series, Saluting Dad's Army (4 x 60'), for the nation's favourite comedy channel Gold. This reflective series is produced by Mercury Productions and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the much-loved series.
Saluting Dad's Army celebrates the genius and impact of the enduring classic and pays tribute to the people who created it. Presented by Alexander Armstrong, the series will cover the colourful history of Dad's Army, from the very first conversation and the true stories that inspired the series, through to its long-standing legacy. Using archive footage and newly captured interviews, the series will offer a true insight into how Dad's Army became not just a hit, but an institution.
Alexander Armstrong said:
I'm thrilled to be involved in marking the 50th anniversary of the phenomenon that is Dad's Army. I've spent a lifetime enjoying the brilliance of Jimmy Perry, David Croft and the extraordinary cast. Now I get to explore everything from the birth of the show to its wonderful legacy and aim to bring fans new insights into the show we all loved so much.
Saluting Dad's Army has been commissioned by Iain Coyle, senior commissioning editor and ordered for Gold by Richard Watsham, director of commissioning and Steve North, genre general manager, comedy and entertainment. Executive producer for Mercury Productions is Tom Webber and producer/director is Simon Joslin.
Richard Watsham said: "On Gold, we're carving out a growing and unique vein of high quality retrospectives. Dad's Army is one of Britain's best loved comedies and has been missing from our collection for too long. So, I'm very pleased that Alexander Armstrong has agreed to lead us through this revealing story, sharing fascinating archive that the talented team at Mercury Productions have uncovered. It will be a fitting tribute to help mark Dad's Army's 50th anniversary."
Gerald Casey, Gold channel director, said: "Dad's Army is a true favourite for Gold viewers and one that has stood the test of time. We can't wait to delve into its history in this retrospective series and find out more about the show that is very dear to our hearts."
Tom Webber said: "It's great to be part of UKTV's commitment to Britain's comedy heritage and to honour Dad's Army in this special anniversary year."
To coincide with the 50th anniversary, Gold will air the first ever episode of Dad's Army tonight at 8.20pm. This is the exact time that it was first broadcast on television in 1968. Remaining episodes from the first series will follow throughout the rest of the week.
Saluting Dad's Army joins other fascinating retrospective series for 2018, including dinnerladies diaries and How The Young Ones Changed Comedy. Gold continues to commission programming from and about the best of British comedy, with last year's UKTV Original Murder on the Blackpool Express being the channel's highest ever rating show.
Saluting Dad's Army will air on Gold later this year.
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About Gold
Sky 110, BT and TalkTalk 310
On demand on Sky and Now TV
Dedicated to celebrating the best of British comedy, Gold is the nation's favourite comedy channel.
Much-loved comedy series such as Only Fools and Horses, The Vicar of Dibley and The Royle Family sit alongside an array of successful UKTV Originals including David Jason: My Life on Screen, The Rebel, The Story of Only Fools and Horses, and Murder on the Blackpool Express, which stars a stunning cast including Johnny Vegas and Sian Gibson. The feature length UKTV Original attracted 1.72 million viewers in its first week in 2017, making it Gold's highest ever rating show.
The perfect tonic to make you laugh whatever the time of day, Gold shows universally funny content that everyone can enjoy.
Gold.uktv.co.uk | @goldtvchannel
About UKTV
UKTV is a commercial broadcaster reaching nearly 40m viewers every month.
The award-winning independent has eleven imaginative brands - UKTV Play, Dave, W, Gold, Alibi, Yesterday, Drama, Really, Home, Eden and Good Food. These include the two most popular non-PSB channels in the UK and account for nearly 10% of the British commercial TV market.
The network delivers inspired channels to audiences through Freeview, Sky, BT, TalkTalk, YouView, Freesat, Amazon Fire and UKTV Play, and distributes its highly valued original programmes to 200 territories.
Now celebrating over 20 years at the forefront of digital television, UKTV - an independent commercial joint venture between BBC Studios and Discovery, Inc. - is proud to be the first British television broadcaster in The Sunday Times top 100 companies list.