Connect with us


TV

Howard’s Way (BBC Drama, Maurice Colbourne, Jan Harvey)

Published

on


Drama series Howard’s Way was a mainstay of Sunday night prime time for most of the late 1980s and Britains answer to the glossy super soaps of America such as Dallas and Dynasty.

Howard’s Way starred Maurice Colbourne as Tom Howard who at the series start has just won a major sailing trophy but has also just been made redundant from his design job with Southern Aviation. Tom, much to the dismay of his wife Jan (Jan Harvey), decides to sink his golden handshake pay off into a partnership with boat builder Jack Rolfe (Glyn Owen).

Tom and Jan are resolutely middle class with a comfortable lifestyle in coastal town Tarrant (real life Bursledon) and have two grown up children the sailing obsessed and show sexpot Lynne Howard (Tracey Childs) and somewhat wimpy Leo (Edward Highmore) who wants to give up the chance to go to University to make his own way.

Like any good soaper the emphasis is on big business and relationships generally of the extra marital kind, Tom is soon falling for Jacks daughter Avril (Susan Gilmore) whilst Jan is soon fighting off the attentions of the slimy Ken Masters (brilliantly played by Stephen Yardley), big business is provided by the antics of Charles Frere (Tony Anholt – the man Ken Masters would like to be) linked to the Howards by Jans best friend Polly Urquhart whose husband Gerald (Ivor Danvers) is Freres right hand man.

Advertisement

By the time the series ended in 1990 everybody had slept with everybody else and the show even survived the real life death of Maurice Colbourne in 1989. The popular theme tune was by The Simon May Orchestra and singer Marti Webb took a vocal rendition into the top 20 in 1986.

Its a fabulous mix of UK shows like The Brothers and glossy US shows like Dallas. Full of fabulous drama and still hugely watchable now.

Cast: MAURICE COLBOURNE as Tom Howard; JAN HARVEY as Jan Howard; TRACEY CHILDS as Lynne Howard; EDWARD HIGHMORE as Leo Howard; SUSAN GILMORE as Avril Rolfe; GLYN OWEN as Jack Rolfe; DULCIE GRAY as Kate Harvey; TONY ANHOLT as Charles Frere; IVOR DANVERS as Gerald Urquhart; CINDY SHELLEY as Abby Urquhart; KATE O’MARA as Laura Wilde; STEPHEN YARDLEY as Ken Masters

Creators: Gerard Glaister, Allan Prior / Script Editor: John Brason (seasons 1-2), Mark Lyons / Theme Music: Simon May, Leslie Osborne / Producer: Gerard Glaister

Advertisement

UK / BBC-1 / 7850 minutes / Broadcast from 1 September 1985 25 November 1990


Alastair James is the editor in chief for Memorable TV. He has been involved in media since his university days. Alastair is passionate about television, and some of his favourite shows include Line of Duty, Luther and Traitors. He is always on the lookout for hot new shows, and is always keen to share his knowledge with others.

General Hospital Today General Hospital Today
News3 hours ago

General Hospital, March 19, 2024, ABC,

In the brand new episode of General Hospital, airing on Tuesday March 19, 2024 at 2.00pm on ABC, viewers will...

The Bold and the Beautiful The Bold and the Beautiful
News3 hours ago

The Bold and the Beautiful, March 19, 2024, CBS

On the upcoming episode of the long-running soap opera “The Bold and the Beautiful,” airing on March 19, 2024 at...

Days of Our Lives Days of Our Lives
News3 hours ago

Days of Our Lives, March 19, 2024, Peacock

In the latest episode of the long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives, airing on March 19, 2024 at 6.00am...

CBS Mornings CBS Mornings
News4 hours ago

Lil Jon, Melissa Dilkes Pateras, CBS Mornings, March 20, 2024

Wednesday’s episode of CBS Mornings on March 20th promises an eclectic mix of guests. First up is Lil Jon, the...

Jimmy Kimmel Live Jimmy Kimmel Live
News4 hours ago

Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson Jimmy Kimmel Live!, March 19, 2024, ABC

Get ready for another entertaining episode of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” airing on ABC at 11:35 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19,...

Karamo Karamo
News4 hours ago

Sharif & Brittany, James & Jason, Karamo, March 19, 2024

Don’t miss the latest episode of “Karamo” airing on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. In this episode, the show delves into...

The Today Show The Today Show
News4 hours ago

José Andrés, Courtney Mason, The Today Show, March 19, 2024, NBC

On Tuesday, March 19th starting at 7:00 AM., NBC brings you another edition of “The Today Show” filled with informative...

The View: The View:
News4 hours ago

Dr. Christine Blasey Ford, The View, March 19, 2024, ABC

In Tuesday’s episode of “The View,” airing on ABC at 11:00 AM on Tuesday March 19th, viewers are in for...

Great British Menu Great British Menu
News12 hours ago

The Finals: Starters, Great British Menu, 18 March 2024, BBC Two

Get ready for the brand new episode of Great British Menu, as national finals week kicks off with the starters...

Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain Anton & Giovanni's Adventures in Spain
News12 hours ago

Series Premiere, Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain, 18 March 2024, BBC One

In the premiere episode of the brand new series “Anton & Giovanni’s Adventures in Spain,” Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton...

Panorama Panorama
News12 hours ago

Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis, Panorama, 18 March 2024, BBC One

In the latest episode of Panorama, titled “Paying More for Less: Councils in Crisis,” viewers will be taken behind the...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News12 hours ago

Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure, 18 March 2024, Channel 4

In a thought-provoking and enlightening new documentary titled “Whites Only: Ade’s Extremist Adventure,” airing on Channel 4 on Monday 18...

Channel 4 Channel 4
News12 hours ago

24 Hours in A&E, 18 March 2024, Channel 4, “Season 32 Episode 3”

In the latest episode of Channel 4’s “24 HOURS IN A&E,” viewers are taken inside Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham,...

George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations George Clarke's Remarkable Renovations
News12 hours ago

Chiltern Hills Barber Shop, George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations, 18 March 2024, Channel 4

In the latest episode of Channel 4’s “George Clarke’s Remarkable Renovations,” architect George Clarke continues to showcase the inspiring stories of...

Traffic Cops Traffic Cops
News12 hours ago

Traffic Cops, 18 March 2024, Channel 5, “Season 13, Episode 14”

In the latest episode of Channel 5’s “Traffic Cops,” viewers will once again be taken on a gripping journey alongside...

Channel 5 Channel 5
News13 hours ago

Coma Series Premiere, 18 March 2024, Channel 5

In the series premiere of the four part Channel 5 drama “Coma,” viewers are introduced to Simon, a devoted family...

Popular