Zodiac (ITV 1974, Anouska Hempel, Anton Rodgers)

In the short lived but thoroughly entertaining crime drama series Zodiac Scotland Yard detective David Gradley teams up with sexy astrologer Esther Jones for six different from the norm mysteries.

Each episode was based around a different star sign and crimes were generally low key with the focus on the bantering nature of David and Esthers relationship. In fact it’s basically a two hander between a surprisingly trendy Anton Rodgers and the gorgeous Anouska Hempel who was one of those 1970’s glamour pusses who never quite made the breakthrough into major league stardom – she actually soon retired from the acting game altogether to take over the running of one of London’s top boutique hotels.

Writers on the series included Roger Marshall (who also created the show), Pat Hoddinott and Peter Yeldham. Guest stars included Jenny Hanley, John Rhys Davies, George Baker, Michael Gambon, Bill Maynard, Ian Olgilvy, Dinah Sheridan, Peter Egan and Michele Dotrice.

production details
UK | ITV – Thames | 6×50 minutes | Broadcast 25 February – 1 April 1974

Creator and Script Editor: Roger Marshall
Consultant: Carole Golder
Producer: Jacqueline Davis
Executive Producer: Kim Mills

cast
Anton Rodgers as David Gradley
Anouska Hempel as Esther Jones

guest stars
Michael Gambon in The Cool Aquarian
George Baker in The Cool Aquarian
Bill Maynard in The Cool Aquarian
Frances Cuka in Death of a Crab
Peter Childs in Death of a Crab
John Rhys-Davies in Death of a Crab
Norman Eshley in Strength of a Gemini
Jenny Hanley in Strength of a Gemini
Peter Jones in The Horns of Nimon
Michele Dotrice in The Horns of Nimon
Peter Egan in The Horns of Nimon
Graham Crowden in The Horns of Nimon
Gillian Raine as in The Horns of Nimon

THE EPISODES
1. DEATH OF A CRAB
2. THE COOL AQUARIAN
3. THE STRENGTH OF GEMINI
4. SATURN’S REWARDS
5. STING STING SCORPIO
6. THE HORNS OF NIMON