Big Deal (BBC-1 1984-1986, Ray Brooks, Sharon Duce)

Drama series Big Deal followed gambling addict Robby Box is determined to give it all up for the sake of his relationship but cannot resist the big game or the main race.

Big Deal was a popular enough series albeit quite a downbeat one, a rare chance for the excellent Ray Brooks (beloved by generations as the voice of Mr Benn) to shine in a lead role and with a well remembered theme tune from Bobby G (better known as Bobby Guppy from Bucks Fizz).

production details
UK / BBC One / 30×50 minute episodes / Broadcast 14 October 1984 – 4 November 1986

Writer: Geoff McQueen / Script Editor: David Crane / Theme Music: Bobby G / Incidental Music: Harry South (of The Sweeney fame) / Producer: Terence Williams

cast
RAY BROOKS as Robby Box
SHARON DUCE as Jan Oliver
LISA GEOGHAN as Debby Oliver
JAMES OTTAWAY as Tommy
STEPHEN TATE as Dick Mayer
PAMELA CUNDELL as Vi Box
ANDY MULLIGAN as Geordie
KENNETH WALLER as Ferret

THE EPISODES
SEASON ONE 14 October – 30 December 1984
1. RED LADY, BLACK NIGHT
2. ONE GOOD TURN OVER…
3. A RAGGED RUN
4. SOME YOU WIN…
5. LUCK OF THE IRISH
6. FIGHTING CHANCE
7. VIDEO MAN
8. CASH FLOW
9. NINE BOB NOTES
10. HOME AN’ DRY

SEASON TWO 3 September – 5 November 1985
1. DOWN AND UNDER
2. GETTING KNOTTED
3. WHAT ARE FRIENDS FOR?
4. POPPING ACROSS THE POND
5. BREAKTHROUGH
6. GUV’NOR
7. PARTNERS
8. THE RABBIT AND THE HARE
9. WINDFALL
10. I GOTTA HORSE

SEASON THREE 2 September – 4 November 1986
1. THE BIG SLEEP
2. THE Z TEAM
3. DEALS ON WHEELS
4. TUPPENCE COLOURED
5. THE CHICKEN AND THE EGG
6. PANEL MONEY
7. FOLLOWING IN THEIR FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
8. PLAYING THE ACE
9. THE BIGGEST DEAL
10. INNOCENT O.K.?