Hadleigh: Nicola Penn (ITV 19 Feb 1971, with Jill Dixon)

The green eyed monster rears it’s head somewhat in Nicola Penn when Anne thinks she may have a rival for James’ affections. Nicola is on old friend of Hadleigh’s, she is a widow and James is Godfather to her son. Nicola is now engaged and wants Hadleigh to help her raise £12,000 for intended’s new business.

Of course, as an accountant, Hadleigh is convinced Anne is perfectly poised to help her raise the funds. James is a little worried though, Anne has become a successful businesswoman and he is worried that Nicola’s fiancee might not be so astute.

Richard Easton as Tim Ross.

John Bennett, who plays Nicola’s fiancee Jean-Pierre, turns in another if his European parts. Here he is a Frenchman but he cropped up in many a show during the sixties and seventies – usually as someone of foreign extraction.

Meanwhile Brian Easton, best known for his long running role in BBC classic The Brothers, makes an appearance as Tim Ross. He is one of Hadleigh’s business partners in the Spanish Hotel scheme that figured in a couple of season one episodes. Hadleigh manages to persuade Tim, who is luckily en route to Paris, to look into Jean-Pierre’s background. Despite his financial background being apparently sound Jean-Pierre is in fact already married.

John Bennett as Jean-Pierre

classic quote
Anne: “I thought you were against poaching.”
James: “Ah yes but not against hunting.”

production details
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 1×50 minute episode / Broadcast Friday 19 February 1971 at 9.00pm

Writer: Mervyn Haisman / Production Design: Gordon Livesey / Director: Peter Cregeen

Series: Hadleigh Season 2 Episode 7

cast
Gerald Harper as James Hadleigh
Jane Merrow as Anne Hepton
John Bennett as Jean-Paul Rocheville
Jill Dixon as Nicola Penn
Richard Easton as Tim Ross
Alastair Hunter as Maxwell
John Devaut as Maurice