Proof oldies can cut it on a TV contest – and they’ve got better stories to tell
Fifty years ago, they were the butt of the joke, more often than not. But we’re finally learning to appreciate the strong women of vintage sitcoms.
Watch an episode of fawlty towers now and it’s the magnificent Prunella Scales who dominates many scenes. And far from being a downtrodden housewife in Happy Ever After, June Whitfield is the mainstay of that show, not her onscreen hubby terry Scott.
Greatest of them all was Penelope Keith as the Good Life’s arch snob, Margo Leadbetter, a woman with a voice so strident she could make flowerbeds stand to attention.
Woodwork teacher Neil named her as his inspiration for a 1970sstyle dress with a pageboy collar, as The Great British Sewing Bee returned. ‘i didn’t appreciate it at the time,’ he admitted, ‘but Margo was a fashion icon.’
the dress was orange with a paisley pattern that used to be popular, i seem to remember, on crockery. Margo’s husband might have had reservations about it but —‘Jerry! Be quiet!’ — he wouldn’t have dared to let on.
this is the Sewing Bee’s tenth series and it features the oldest contestant yet, 84- year- old retired scientist Don. in fact, as far as i can see, Don’s the oldest person ever to tackle a reality contest on British TV.
Arlene Phillips was 78 when she appeared on i’m A Celebrity in 2021, and Angela Rippon was a year older than that when she showcased her high kicks on Strictly last year. the oldest Bake Off cake-maker was flo Atkins, a mere stripling at 71 when she took part in 2017.
Don proved a real character and, though he might struggle to meet the Sewing Bee’s punishing deadlines, he proved octogenarians can compete with rivals a quarter of their age.
TV bosses are missing a trick by ignoring this age group. there are many in their 80s who are just as energetic and sparky as any bunch of raucous twentysomethings . . . and the oldies have got better stories to tell. Never mind Big Brother, we want Big Grandad.
Esme young and Patrick Grant are back as Sewing Bee’s judges, but this is the first full season for presenter Kiell Smith-Bynoe. He brings a more laid-back style than any of the previous hosts, with a light touch of humour instead of the forced jokiness of predecessor Sara Pascoe. the judges seem more relaxed, too, without the obligation to engage in scripted banter.
the dressmakers are an unusually chatty crowd, commentating as they sew. One revealed that her fabric was handmade in tanzania, another explained why her top- stitching was exactly 3.5cm from the folded edge of her hem. All Kiell had to do was watch and learn.
He was distracted by photos pinned up by amateur artist Janet, 75. they included some of her paintings, including one of her and her partner Adrian naked in bed, ‘having an afternoon off’.
A pension book is no guarantee of good behaviour these days.