Last of the Summer Wine (series 23)

Outline

The trio in this series consisted of:

Actor	Role
Keith Clifford	Billy Hardcastle
Peter Sallis	Clegg
Frank Thornton	Truly

First appearances

Entwistle (2002-2010)

Last appearances

Wesley Pegden (1982-2002)
Eli (1987-2002)

Returning this series

Nora Batty (1973-2001, 2002-2008)

List of Episodes

2001 Christmas Special

Title	Airdate	Description	Notes
Potts in Pole Position	30 December		June Whitfield makes a guest appearance in this episode, before joining the cast (in a different role) in Series 27. Warren Mitchell also made an appearance in the episode as Whitfield's husband (Not Travis!). Audience of 6.93 million – 44th-most-watched programme of the week.

Regular series

Title	Airdate	Description	Notes
A Brief Excursion in the Fast Lane	6 January	Glenda begins to worry when Barry becomes interested in a life in the fast lane.	Final appearance of Eli, Danny O'Dea left the show due to ill health and died a year after this episode was broadcast. Audience of 5.20m - 54th most watched programme of the week.
The Mystical Squeak of Howard's Bicycle	13 January	Billy and Truly compete to prove who has the keener "sixth sense" and Howard seeks a way to deal with his own psychic phenomenon.	Audience of 6.09m - 34th most watched programme of the week.
Mervyn Would be Proud	20 January	A dedicated groupie follows Billy, who stages a moving demonstration of his inherited skill with a bow and arrow.	Audience of 6.48m - 31st most watched programme of the week.
The Incredible Ordeal of Norman Clegg	27 January	When Howard leaves some picnic items at Clegg's for safekeeping he fails to mention that it includes Marina. Truly and Billy work to help Clegg get Marina out whilst Howard is next door at the ladies coffee morning - refusing to leave!	Audience of 5.36m - 52nd most watched programme of the week. Guest appearance of Eli Woods and James Casey as drunks.
Beware of the Hot Dog	3 February	Wesley brings culinary ingenuity to the Yorkshire wilderness as Howard decides to surveil Pearl and Ros during their day out.	Nora Batty's absence is explained by her leaving to visit relatives in Australia; the episode opens with a faraway shot of her departing for the airport. Audience of 6.62m - 32nd most watched programme of the week.
In Search of Childlike Joy and the Farthest Reaches of the Lotus Position	10 February	Both a reluctant Smiler and the police feel the need for speed, and Barry's legs may hold the key to the trio's enlightenment.	Audience of 6.29m - 30th most watched programme of the week.
A Chaise Longue Too Far	17 February	Barry's rejected romantic gift becomes the only method by which Howard can counter Marina's ultimatum.	Audience of 5m - approximately 53rd most watched programme of the week.
Exercising Father's Bicycle	24 February	After successfully dodging a bill collector, Tom learns of the storied past of Compo's bicycle and wishes to help the legend live on.	Audience of 4.82m - approximately 55th most watched programme of the week.
Sadly, Madly, Bradley	3 March	Billy must spend the day with his brother-in-law Bradley, who can't stop spreading around his gloomy mood. With the help of Tom, Smiler, and a raft the trio try to get him out of the doldrums.	Audience of 5.37m - 50th most watched programme of the week.
It All Began With an Old Volvo Headlamp	10 March	The trio latches on to the distraught Kevin, who in response to his being dumped by his girlfriend, wants to become a "Wise Man of the Woods".	Final appearance of Wesley, due to Wharmby's death, Gordon Wharmby died 2 months after this episode was broadcast. Guest appearance of Hywel Bennett. achieved an audience of less than 4.82m and was below the 56th most watched programme of the week

See also