RaspberryLucozade 'Terry & June' was one of many cosy domestic sitcoms that came under fire from the 'alternative comedy brigade' in the early '80's. It first began in 1974 as 'Happy Ever After' in which Terry and June Fletcher, played by Terry Scott and June Whitfield, look forward to the prospect of a quiet life after their children leave home, only then to have their hopes dashed when their dotty Aunt Lucy and her annoying mynah bird Gungadin decides to move in with them.After five successful seasons, 'Happy Ever After' came to an end when writer Eric Merriman decided to call it a day, however in 1979, the BBC revamped it as 'Terry & June', with Aunt Lucy being written out and the lead characters names being changed from Fletcher to Medford ( possibly to avoid any legal issues ). The first episode begins with Terry and June buying a house in Purley after Terry lands a well-paying job there. Both hope that their new home will be a whole new beginning for them but, as one would expect, it is the start of a never-ending nightmare.Although it was heavily criticised for being 'bland' and 'middle class', 'Terry & June' nevertheless drew large viewing figures and, if anything, was even more popular than its predecessor.The plots garnered about every sitcom cliché going, such as Terry trying his hand at D.I.Y, only for things to go horribly wrong, Terry's boss coming round for dinner or unwanted relatives dropping in on Terry and June at inopportune moments but with strong performances from both Whitfield and Scott, as well as very funny scripts by John Kane, Terry Ravenscroft and Dave Freeman among many others, it was hard not to be amused. Scott's character was like that of an overgrown child with unrealistic hopes and aspirations, rather like the character he played in an earlier sitcom called 'Hugh & I'. June Whitfield's character served not only as Terry's wife but also a mother-type figure - she would frequently tell him off when he behaved foolishly or selfishly but would jump to his defence whenever someone else did so. Can anyone see shades of Eric and Hattie from 'Sykes' here? Unfortunately, 'Terry & June' outstayed its welcome but overall was for the most part pleasant, care-free fun, rather like 'George & Mildred' and 'Keeping Up Appearances'. For those of you who haven't seen it, I would recommend it. Word of warning through - once you've heard John Shakespeare's infuriatingly catchy theme tune, you will be humming it for weeks!

glenn-aylett For our younger readers, Terry and June was a fairly popular eighties sitcom about a middle aged, middle class couple who live in the suburbs. ( This type of sitcom was very common 30 years ago). June Whitfield played June and the late Terry Scott played Terry.A lot of the time Terry and June was typical of the middle class sitcoms of the time, safe, conservative and often not very funny. However, when the scriptwriter experimented, the show went from being dull and unfunny to totally surreal and very amusing. Stand out episodes among a lot of dross are the one with the barbecue and the awful beefburgers, which end up going round a record player for some reason, the one where Terry stands as a Tory MP, the one where Terry and June go on local radio and destroy the studio and the one where they go to France on a day trip. It's just a shame the really funny episodes were balanced out by some total dross.However, one thing is outstanding all the way through, the killer theme tune which always comes to mind when you think of the show.

jamie-lisle People who do not "get" Terry & June do not appreciate the classic British humour behind the programme. Terry Scott plays the everyman husband to perfection with a daft script fully latching into the "Carry On" vibe of the period.It is in the same vein as "The Fall & Rise of Reginald Perrin", "Fawlty Towers" and "The Good Life". Why? Because it captures the quintessential essence of the period it was made and extrapolates everyday situations until it hits the correct note of farce and silliness. This plays to the strengths of one of the true comedy legends of 70/80s British TV and film.Yes it's safe, yes it's homely, but that is what 90% of life was like in those days, and to a certain degree now. The main difference being that actors of the calibre of Terry Scott and June Whitfield do not appear in mainstream television these days.So settle back married suburban man, with a nice beer, and watch the repeats of this fun comedy safe in the knowledge that you are watching a true comedy great, bumbling through a programme in the manner of an Oliver Hardy or Tony Hancock. Always trying his best but failing.And remember this, married men - you are actually watching a mirror of your own life, without the laughter of a studio audience to ease the pain. "June! June!"

Chris Abbott This show lasted for most of the 1980s, and had its moments, but plots were usually dishwater thin and often painfully unfunny.Terry Scott and June Whitfield were wasted in this sitcom, they both deserved better, but it does provide some fond memories and I have found myself smiling at some repeated scenes. June Whitfield's talent for comedy is allowed to shine through on occasion (when she is not being a foil to Terry) and she really is clever.The 1980s is the last decade where you will find this kind of middle class, middle aged comedy, and many people remember it fondly, but I prefer to remember the decade for alternative comedy and the biting satire of Spitting Image.