In sitcom Life Begins at Forty, after 17 years of marriage, middle aged couple Chris (Derek Nimmo) and Katy Bunting (Rosemary Leach) learn they are to be parents for the first time. The first season concentrated on the couple preparing for the arrival of baby (born at the end of the season) with the second focused on the Buntings adjusting to life with their new arrival. Besides Chris and Katy other regulars were their friends the Simpsons, Jill (played by Rosemary Martin in season one and then Anna Dawson) and Gerry (Michael Graham Cox). The excellent Gordon Rollings was a season two regular playing Horace the milkman.
It’s easy to see where writer Jan Butlin came up with the surnames for Chris and Katy – Bye baby Bunting was a popular nursery rhyme/folk song from the late 19th century.
ITV considered bagging Derek Nimmo something of a coup after his many years in BBC sitcoms such as All Gas and Gaiters. Writer Butlin, a former actress had worked with Nimmo many times has had director Graeme Muir.
The theme music was by Dennis Main Wilson.
Cast: Derek Nimmo as Chris Bunting; Rosemary Leach as Katy Bunting; Rosemary Martin as Jill Simpson (Season 1); Anna Dawson as Jill Simpson (Season 2); Michael Graham Cox as Gerry Simpson; Fanny Rowe as Mrs Bunting; Angela Piper as Priscilla (Season 2); Gordon Rollings as Horace the milkman (Season 2)
Writer: Jan Butlin / Producer and Director: Graeme Muir
UK / ITV – Yorkshire / 14×30 minute episodes / 13 June 1978 21 March 1980
