The 50th anniversary of Dad’s Army, one of British TV’s most enduring comedy series, is being celebrated with a new 4-part retrospective series commissioned by UKTV’s Gold
Presented by Alexander Armstrong, Saluting Dad’s Army celebrates the show’s lasting impact and pays tribute to the people who created it, taking viewers behind the scenes to discover the show’s history and the true stories that inspired it.
Armstrong said: “I’m thrilled to be involved in marking the 50th anniversary of the phenomenon that is Dad’s Army.
“I’ve spent a lifetime enjoying the brilliance of Jimmy Perry, David Croft and the extraordinary cast.
“Now I get to explore everything from the birth of the show to its wonderful legacy and aim to bring fans new insights into the show we all loved so much.”
Saluting Dad’s Army has been commissioned by Iain Coyle, senior commissioning editor and ordered for Gold by Richard Watsham, director of commissioning and Steve North, genre general manager, comedy and entertainment.
Executive producer for Mercury Productions is Tom Webber and producer/director is Simon Joslin.
Richard Watsham said: “On Gold, we’re carving out a growing and unique vein of high quality retrospectives.
“Dad’s Army is one of Britain’s best loved comedies and has been missing from our collection for too long.
“So, I’m very pleased that Alexander Armstrong has agreed to lead us through this revealing story, sharing fascinating archive that the talented team at Mercury Productions have uncovered.
“It will be a fitting tribute to help mark Dad’s Army’s 50th anniversary.”
Gerald Casey, Gold channel director, said: “Dad’s Army is a true favourite for Gold viewers and one that has stood the test of time.
“We can’t wait to delve into its history in this retrospective series and find out more about the show that is very dear to our hearts.”
Tom Webber said: “It’s great to be part of UKTV’s commitment to Britain’s comedy heritage and to honour Dad’s Army in this special anniversary year.”
To coincide with the 50th anniversary, Gold will air the first ever episode of Dad’s Army tonight at 8.20pm – the exact time that it was first broadcast on television in 1968. Remaining episodes from the first series will follow throughout the rest of the week.
Saluting Dad’s Army will air on Gold later this year.