List of Are You Being Served? episodes

Episodes for the British television sitcom Are You Being Served? aired from 1972 to 1985. All episodes were 30 minutes long. A film of the same name was released in 1977. While all episodes were in colour, the pilot had originally survived only in black-and-white as a film transfer from the original colour source; a restoration into colour using the chroma dots computer colour restoration technique aired 1 January 2010 on BBC Two. ^[1]

Series overview

Series	Episodes		Originally aired
			First aired	Last aired
Pilot			8 September 1972 (1972-09-08)
1	5		21 March 1973 (1973-03-21)	18 April 1973 (1973-04-18)
2	5		14 March 1974 (1974-03-14)	11 April 1974 (1974-04-11)
3	9		27 February 1975 (1975-02-27)	17 April 1975 (1975-04-17)
4	7		8 April 1976 (1976-04-08)	12 May 1976 (1976-05-12)
5	7		25 February 1977 (1977-02-25)	8 April 1977 (1977-04-08)
Film			31 July 1977 (1977-07-31)
6	6		15 November 1978 (1978-11-15)	26 December 1978 (1978-12-26)
7	8		19 October 1979 (1979-10-19)	26 December 1979 (1979-12-26)
8	7		9 April 1981 (1981-04-09)	24 December 1981 (1981-12-24)
9	6		22 April 1983 (1983-04-22)	27 May 1983 (1983-05-27)
10	7		18 February 1985 (1985-02-18)	1 April 1985 (1985-04-01)
Special			28 August 2016 (2016-08-28)

Episodes

Pilot (1972)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
1	"Are You Being Served?"	Bernard Thompson	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	8 September 1972 (1972-09-08)
At the London flagship store of Grace Bros, a reorganisation within forces the male staff of the Menswear Department, Mr Grainger, Mr Humphries and Mr Lucas, to share their floor space with the Ladies Wear Department, manned by Mrs Slocombe and Miss Brahms. It's not long before Grainger and Slocombe are arguing over the floor's centre display, requring the floor walker Captain Peacock to find a way to defuse the situation, and seeking a decision from the floor's manager Mr Rumbold. Note: This episode was broadcast as a part of Comedy Playhouse , and guest starred Michael Knowles.

Series 1 (1973)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
2	"Dear Sexy Knickers..."	Bernard Thompson	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	21 March 1973 (1973-03-21)
Lucas is eager to spend an evening after work with Brahms, but doesn't want the senior staff knowing. To achieve this, he writes a secret love note addressing her as "Sexy Knickers". However, the note causes misunderstandings when it is accidentally dropped near Peacock, who hands it over to Slocombe assuming she dropped it, whereupon she reads it and assumes Peacock wants to date her.
3	"Our Figures Are Slipping"	Bernard Thompson	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	28 March 1973 (1973-03-28)
Sales figures for both clothing departments are falling, so Rumbold is eager to insist the floor staff stay behind after closing time to learn about sales technique. Lucas is nervous he might lose his job because he's struggled with sales, and is quite surprised when his nervous smile is suggested as a way for him to win over customers during the training session.
4	"Camping In"	Bernard Thompson	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	4 April 1973 (1973-04-04)
A transport strike in London worries the floor staff over how to get to and from their jobs at the store. After putting forward their concerns to Rumbold, the floor manager decides they should sleep overnight within the store, much to the staff's surprise, especially when he suggest they find suitable nightwear stock to use. However, they are not entirely delighted that they must make use of sleep-in tents for the night. Note: Guest stars Colin Bean and Pamela Manson.
5	"His and Hers"	Bernard Thompson	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	11 April 1973 (1973-04-11)
As part of a new promotion at the store, Grace Brothers hires an attractive saleswoman to sell a new unisex line of perfume and scents, dubbed "His and Hers", within the clothing departments. The floor staff become upset when the saleswoman undercuts their own sales with special promotional freebies for passing customers, leading them to work together to sabotage the new venture. Note: Guest stars Joanna Lumley.
6	"Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend"	Bernard Thompson	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	18 April 1973 (1973-04-18)
On the day staff receive their wages, with Peacock's being delayed, a customer finds she has lost a diamond from a piece of her jewellery. With a reward for its return, all the staff initially agree to split the money being offered. However, in reality, the staff prove greedy and eager to claim the reward for themselves, especially when each group, including Rumbold, thinks they have found the missing stone on the floor. Note: Guest stars Janet Davies and Elizabeth Larner.

Series 2 (1974)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
7	"The Clock"	Harold Snoad	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	14 March 1974 (1974-03-14)
Grainger is set to celebrate his 65th birthday, and the staff are chipping in with birthday dinner he shall receive that evening on the floor. At the same time, Rumbold is placed in difficult position of handing him a traditional cuckoo clock as a present, as it's usually given by Young Mr Grace to retiring staff. This soon prompts questions about whether Grainger is set to be dismissed from the store. Note:Guest stars John Ringham.
8	"Cold Comfort"	Harold Snoad	Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles	21 March 1974 (1974-03-21)
Due to issues securing fuel for Grace Bros', Rumbold informs the staff that the store's central heating is being turned off despite the bitterly cold weather outside. Eager to keep warm, the staff ignore warnings not to waste electricity by using various appliances during opening hours, unaware that Rumbold himself is using an electric fire secretly in his office.
9	"The Think Tank"	Harold Snoad	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	28 March 1974 (1974-03-28)
After both departments make a total loss of £600 for the previous week, Rumbold forms a "think tank" to come up with ways to increase sales. He soon pounces on an idea by Peacock to hold a fashion show, with the floor staff assigned to become models showing off the store's clothing range. However, the idea soon has its problems, especially when Mr Grace is made to witness them perform it.
10	"Big Brother"	Harold Snoad	Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles	4 April 1974 (1974-04-04)
With shoplifting on the increase at stores across London, Grace Bros' makes plans to trial-run a new CCTV system. Both the Gents and Ladies department are delighted to find themselves on camera, until Lucas discovers Rumbold can use the system to spy on them. Unwilling to maintain the system, he and Humphries scheme to get Rumbold to remove the CCTV from their floor.
11	"Hoorah for the Holidays"	Harold Snoad	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	11 April 1974 (1974-04-11)
Mr Grace is eager to have the whole store redecorated, but needs to shut it down for two weeks in August for the work to be carried out. To this end, he requests the staff take their holidays that month during that period. Peacock soon hears complaints from his colleagues, when they reveal the offer of £5 "inconvenience money" to do so is not enough to convince them, until Rumbold ups the offer with something less appealing. Note: Guest stars John Clegg.

Series 3 (1975)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
12	"The Hand of Fate"	David Croft	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	27 February 1975 (1975-02-27)
Rumbold is informed that one of the board of directors for Grace Bros is retiring due to ill health, meaning he could be considered for the position. For Peacock, he delights at taking over as floor manager, while Grainger and Slocombe both want to replace him as floor walker if this happens. Meanwhile, Humphries reveals he can read palms, and does so for Peaccock and Slocombe, knowing his readings often come true. Filmed: 21 February 1975
13	"Coffee Morning"	David Croft	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	6 March 1975 (1975-03-06)
After Grainger comes back to his department late from his coffee break, both Rumbold and Peacock institute a new rule requiring staff to sign out when taking a break and sign in when returning, to avoid future tardiness. When the floor staff refuse to do so, and Grainger is fined for his lateness, the group turn to Mr Mash to unionize them and get the management to drop the rule, although Grainger becomes concerned it could cause problems. Filmed: 28 February 1975
14	"Up Captain Peacock"	David Croft	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	13 March 1975 (1975-03-13)
As a reward for 20 years of employment, Peacock is awarded the key to the executive lavatory, with Rumbold also offering him the right to have his lunch break in the executive dining room. Grainger is annoyed over this, as he has worked longer than Peacock. Meanwhile, the floor staff become annoyed when they learn that their lunch hour is being delayed until 2pm, due to concerns it eats away at sales. Note: Guest stars Donald Hewlett, Michael Knowles, and Jeffrey Segal. Filmed: 7 March 1975
15	"Cold Store"	David Croft	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	20 March 1975 (1975-03-20)
Lucas is eager to get out of work to see a new girlfriend, and tries to pretend he has come down with a cold. In contrast, Slocombe refuses to go home despite having a cold, much Brahms dislike as refuses to work with her. To remedy this, Peacock has Brahms and Lucas switch departments for the day, unaware the junior male assistant will do anything to get out of work faking an illness or injury with Mr Mash's help. Note: Guest stars Pamela Cundell and Gordon Peters. Filmed: 14 March 1975
16	"Wedding Bells"	David Croft	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	27 March 1975 (1975-03-27)
Mr Grace announces to the floor staff how he intends to soon get married, ending his status as a widower of 40 years. After he invites Slocombe to see him for tea, her colleagues, including Peacock and Rumbold, presume she is to become engaged to the elderly owner. Naturally, they are eager not to anger her and do anything to appease her, unaware that Mr Grace merely seeks her advice regarding proposing to another in the store. Note: Guest stars John Clegg. Filmed: 21 March 1975
17	"German Week"	David Croft	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	3 April 1975 (1975-04-03)
Mr Grace has the department store engaged in a "German Week" as another of his ideas to attract customers. As a result all the departments, including the Gents and Ladies, sell only German goods. However, after two days on their floor, Rumbold finds they have made little money, so both he and the staff decide to give their departments a more German feel, which includes dancing and serving German wine. Note: Guest stars Joanna Lumley. Filmed: 28 March 1975
18	"Shoulder to Shoulder"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles	10 April 1975 (1975-04-10)
Mr Grace informs the floor staff that he can only afford to have one of their departments redecorated. After a discussion and a coin toss, Slocombe finds that she and Brahms must temporaily relocate to Menswear while their department undergoes decorating. The resultant relocation soon causes friction between the staff not only on where items are displayed and stored, but also on sales to customers. Filmed: 4 April 1975
19	"New Look"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd, David Croft and Michael Knowles	17 April 1975 (1975-04-17)
Following another day at the store, the floor staff attend an after-hours meeting with Rumbold to see what suggestions have been put forward to improve takings. After finding very little is offered, an idea is formed to use background music and a record store-wide voiceover to help boost sales. When the idea is welcomed, the staff become eager to provide the voice-over on the promise of a cash bonus. Note: Guest stars Felix Bowness. Filmed: 11 April 1975
Special
20	"Christmas Crackers"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and John Chapman	22 December 1975 (1975-12-22)
At an early morning meeting, Rumbold talks to the staff about what ideas could be used to boost Christmas sales figures during the holiday season. However, although some ideas are proposed, Mr Grace informs the staff he has already decided on what to do. For Peacock and his colleagues, all are made to wear novelty costumes during opening hours, something which none of them are too happy about. Filmed: 16 December 1975

Series 4 (1976)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
21	"No Sale"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	8 April 1976 (1976-04-08)
Grace Brothers decide to open at 8:30am in order to attract customers on their way to work. The idea is a great success with takings up, but by the afternoon the floor staff decide to make sure takings are the same as the Monday before to avoid having to come to work at 8:30 every day, so they try to put people off buying things. Guest starring Reg Dixon and Gordon Peters. Filmed: 2 April 1976
22	"Top Hat and Tails"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	15 April 1976 (1976-04-15)
Young Mr Grace wants the Ladies' and Men's Wear department to form a ballroom dancing team to enter the national Golden Shoes Competition, and when a financial reward is offered all the staff are happy to take part. During rehearsals, Young Mr Grace watches them to decide whether they are good enough. Filmed: 9 April 1976 First appearance of Mr Harman
23	"Forward Mr Grainger"	Ray Butt	DJeremy Lloyd and David Croft	22 April 1976 (1976-04-22)
When Mr Rumbold goes to Swansea for a month-long sales seminar, Mr Grainger is placed in charge, much to Captain Peacock's annoyance. Mr Grainger soon makes himself very unpopular because of the way he runs the department. However, very soon Mr Rumbold comes back as the hotel in Swansea has flooded and everyone ignores Mr Grainger. Filmed: 16 April 1976
24	"Fire Practice"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	29 April 1976 (1976-04-29)
Young Mr Grace warns Mr Rumbold that there will be a fire drill but refuses to tell him at what time. Meanwhile, an Arab Emir arrives in the department wishing to buy a pair of trousers for one of his wives, but no one is allowed to touch her, so measuring her proves difficult. While they are completing the sale, the fire alarm goes off and the staff response means they all have to stay behind that evening and practise what to do if there is a fire. Filmed: 23 April 1976
25	"Fifty Years On"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	5 May 1976 (1976-05-05)
Mrs Slocombe reminds everyone that her birthday is approaching, and the rest of the staff work out that she will be 50. They then buy her a present and practise singing "Happy Birthday", and Mr Humphries has a special cake made. However, when the cake is revealed and it says "50" Mrs Slocombe is horrified as she is only 46. Mr Harman also unveils the "If you want to get a head get a hat" promotional mannequin which only works properly when the "Flexi-Girdle Corporation" display works. Guest starring Tony Sympson and Mavis Pugh. For the first time in the series John Inman breaks the 'fourth wall' by announcing to the audience that they were not going to show what Mrs Slocombe's present was. Filmed: 30 April 1976
26	"Oh What a Tangled Web"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	12 May 1976 (1976-05-12)
Both Captain Peacock and Mr Rumbold's secretary Miss Hazelwood are late, and it is rumoured that they are having an affair. It is revealed that the staff have suspected them of having an affair since the Christmas party. Mrs Peacock (played by Diana King) arrives at the store, as does Miss Hazelwood's father, and an inquiry has to be held after both Mrs Slocombe and Mr Grainger are attacked due to several misunderstandings and Captain Peacock explains what happened between him and Miss Hazelwood. Filmed: 7 May 1976
Special
27	"The Father Christmas Affair"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	24 December 1976 (1976-12-24)
Grace Brothers decides to have electric Father Christmas models, but this is soon cancelled when they go wrong. Young Mr Grace then decides to offer £50 to a member of the department, including Mr Rumbold, to dress up as Father Christmas and give gifts to the children. Young Mr Grace gets a young boy to decide which one of the staff will be Father Christmas. Meanwhile, Mr Grainger is worried about his annual performance to entertain the residents of an old people's home. Every year, he does an impersonation of Winston Churchill, but this time the residents have asked him to do something that's more up to date and he has come up with Stafford Cripps. Filmed: 6 December 1976

Series 5 (1977)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
28	"Mrs Slocombe Expects"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	25 February 1977 (1977-02-25)
When the male staff hear Mrs Slocombe talking to Miss Brahms about a "happy event", they think that Mrs Slocombe is pregnant. However, it turns out that it is her cat that is expecting, and Mrs Slocombe asks Mr Rumbold if the cat can give birth in the fitting room so she can be near her. When he refuses, Mr Harman smuggles her in. Meanwhile, Young Mr Grace tries to show the staff how to improve sales. Filmed: 24 February 1977
29	"A Change Is as Good as a Rest"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	4 March 1977 (1977-03-04)
The floor staff are summoned to the Board Room, and while they wait for Mr Rumbold and Young Mr Grace they look in the file on the table which says they are all to be replaced. In protest they decide to resign and Mr Grainger does so first. However, they are then told that all the staff are merely changing departments for a week. Mr Grainger asks for his job back, but Mr Humphries and Mr Lucas have already been promoted, so he is made Junior Assistant. Later, the staff are moved to the Toy Department for the week and Mr Rumbold tries to get Mr Grainger his old job back. Filmed: 3 March 1977
30	"Founder's Day"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	11 March 1977 (1977-03-11)
To celebrate Young Mr Grace's 80th birthday, the staff plan a This Is Your Department, a spoof of This Is Your Life , using Young Mr Grace's memoirs to show how he has affected all of their lives. (Several references were made to John Inman’s own appearance the previous year on This Is Your Life, including showing photos of the subject in short pants and ending up meeting Danny La Rue.) Meanwhile, Mrs Slocombe and Miss Brahms argue when a customer (played by Tim Barrett) wants to buy two fur coats, one for his wife and one for his girlfriend. Filmed: 10 March 1977
31	"The Old Order Changes"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	18 March 1977 (1977-03-18)
After visiting the United States, Young Mr Grace decides on the new idea of American informality in the hope of increasing sales. This includes having background music and all the staff calling one another by their first names and dressing in their own clothes. However, after a week or so Young Mr Grace returns from China and has a new set of ideas. Guest starring Jeffrey Holland and Bernice Adams. Mr. Lucas wears a Jim'll Fix It badge around his neck, from the sequence in the children's TV show when a child's wish was to meet the cast. Filmed: 17 March 1977
32	"Take-Over"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	25 March 1977 (1977-03-25)
Having been told a rival store is attempting a take-over of Grace Brothers, the staff soon worry for their jobs. Mr Rumbold then comes up with a plan to make sure the take-over is voted against at a Shareholders' Dinner, and when money is offered all the staff volunteer to dress up as sympathetic shareholders who can't get to the dinner. Mr Harman and Mrs Slocombe dress up as Lord and Lady Stableforth, with Miss Brahms as their daughter Lavinia and Mr Grainger as Sir Richard Ryan. Meanwhile, when the chef and waiters can't get there, Mr Humphries is forced to stand in as chef with Mr Lucas and Captain Peacock as the waiters. Guest starring Mavis Pugh. Filmed: 24 March 1977
33	"Goodbye Mr Grainger"	Ray Butt	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	1 April 1977 (1977-04-01)
Mr Grainger has become increasingly bad-tempered, something which is not helped by his losing the centre display stand to Mrs Slocombe for "bra week". The rest of the staff agree that he has to go, and when Mr Harman tells Mr Grainger of their decision he resigns first. However, the following day he comes in and apologises for his bad mood. The reason for the change of mood becomes clear when he tells them he has won the pools. He showers his co-workers with gifts and his resignation letter reaches Mr Grace's office, but Mr Humphries speaks to the pools firm and discovers that Mr Grainger has not won anything. Surprisingly, Mr Grainger is not totally disappointed, and he decides to stay on. And then, his unopened resignation letter is revealed, with interesting results. Filmed: 31 March 1977
34	"It Pays to Advertise"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	8 April 1977 (1977-04-08)
Grace Brothers decide to make an advert, set in a cocktail bar, to increase sales. This is filmed in the department using the staff as actors and with Mr Humphries as the director. Meanwhile, Mr Humphries and Mrs Slocombe have been chosen to be made into life-size models to represent the average man and woman in the street. Guest starring Ferdy Mayne. Filmed: 7 April 1977 Last original TV appearance of Mr Grainger(Arthur Brough's wife died on 26 March 1978, and Brough himself died two months later on 28 May 1978.) However Mr. Grainger does appear in the film version of the series released in July 1977 and the character returns for 2016 special (played by Roy Barraclough).

Series 6 (1978)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
35	"By Appointment"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	15 November 1978 (1978-11-15)
The staff return from their holidays, and Mr Tebbs has replaced Mr Grainger as Head of Men's Wear. After Captain Peacock returns sounding like Donald Duck and Mr Lucas with burnt feet, the staff are soon told that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are making an official visit to the borough, and they might be coming to Grace Brothers. The staff rehearse what to do if the Royal couple visit and on the day they all dress up in their finery and then watch them in the street below from Mr Rumbold's office window. Unfortunately, just as it appears the Queen and Prince Philip might be about to enter the store, Mrs Slocombe accidentally knocks a plant pot off the window ledge which narrowly misses the Royal couple, who get back in their car and speed away from the scene as quickly as possible! Filmed: 29 October 1978 First appearance of Mr Tebbs
36	"The Club"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	22 November 1978 (1978-11-22)
The staff are offered a room in the basement that they can turn into a social club. Young Mr Grace says he will spend up to £300 on decorating it, but when the decorators give their estimate as £500, the staff offer to do the job themselves and pocket £50 each. However, the job soon proves more difficult than they first thought. Guest starring Mavis Pugh. Filmed: 5 November 1978
37	"Do You Take This Man?"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	29 November 1978 (1978-11-29)
Mrs Slocombe becomes engaged to a Greek man called Mr Metaxas, and her wealthy American uncle Wendal P. Clark (played by Norman Mitchell) has offered to pay for the reception and will buy the couple a house as a wedding present. However, on the morning of the wedding, the best man (Gorden Kaye) brings bad news: The groom is already married, and his wife has demanded that he return home to Greece. The staff, hoping to help Mrs Slocombe, decide to fake the wedding ceremony right in the store, with Mr Humphries as the "groom" and Mr Tebbs playing a very out of character Greek Orthodox priest. Guest starring Felix Bowness. Norman Mitchell's son Christopher Mitchell starred in another sitcom It Ain't Half Hot Mum which was co-written by David Croft. Gorden Kaye would later star in another David Croft sitcom, 'Allo 'Allo!. Filmed: 12 November 1978
38	"Shedding the Load"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	6 December 1978 (1978-12-06)
After continuing falling sales, it is decided that one of the floor staff will have to be made redundant and the management decide to let the staff decide which of them it will be. After a secret ballot, which results in everyone except Mr Humphries getting one vote, the staff gather at the store on the weekend to battle it out. However, Young Mr Grace announces that the cutbacks have been cancelled and that he is giving himself a three-day week instead. Filmed: 19 November 1978
39	"A Bliss Girl"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	13 December 1978 (1978-12-13)
A stall to sell "Bliss" perfume has arrived on the floor, but because of the thick fog, the Bliss salesgirl has not arrived. It is then decided that Mr. Humphries should sell the perfume instead so he is then made to staff the stall. This means that the Menswear Department is undermanned, so Mr. Rumbold orders a furious Captain Peacock to work the menswear counter instead of Mr Humphries. Guest starring Jan Holden and Bernice Adams. Jan Holden was the Great Aunt of TV presenter Amanda Holden. Filmed: 26 November 1978
Special
40	"Happy Returns"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	26 December 1978 (1978-12-26)
It is Young Mr. Grace's birthday, and the staff sing the traditional birthday song for him and enjoy the traditional free lunch. They later rehearse their cabaret performance for Young Mr. Grace's birthday party, a ballet called The Ballet of the Toys. A professional cabaret troupe will also be performing at the party, and when the troupe arrives, it turns out they themselves will be performing The Ballet of the Toys, which forces the staff to go to Plan B. Filmed: 3 December 1978 Last appearance of Mr. Tebbs

Series 7 (1979)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
41	"The Junior"	David Croft	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	19 October 1979 (1979-10-19)
When Mr. Tebbs retires, Mr. Humphries and Mr. Lucas are both promoted, so Mr. Rumbold and Young Mr. Grace advertise for candidates for the junior position. After an applicant that lives in a packing case in Covent Garden, and another that Mr Humphries dislikes, the staff decide to go home. Suddenly, Mr Goldberg, a gifted salesman with an endearing personality, immediately makes himself popular with all the staff, except with Captain Peacock, whom Mr. Goldberg says he used to know. This is the only episode in which Mr. Humphries is senior assistant with Mr. Lucas also moving up one grade, although Mr. Peacock is opposed. Filmed: 16 September 1979 First appearance of Mr. Goldberg
42	"Strong Stuff, This Insurance"	Gordon Elsbury	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	26 October 1979 (1979-10-26)
The staff gets the opportunity to participate in a lucrative group insurance scheme that will land them all sizable pensions upon retirement. Unfortunately, they must first pass through a physical examination. In an effort to shape up without spending too much money, Mr. Humphries enlists his former ballet instructor. After their physicals, they retreat to Young Mr. Grace's office to learn the results, and what they hear shocks them. Guest starring Amanda Barrie and Joy Allen. Filmed: 23 September 1979
43	"The Apartment"	David Croft and Gordon Elsbury	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	2 November 1979 (1979-11-02)
Mrs Slocombe is rendered temporarily homeless after squatters invade her new flat. After her co-workers fail to provide accommodation, Young Mr. Grace allows her to move into the store's Furniture Fitting Department on the top floor. Mrs Slocombe turns the floor into a cosy home-from-home, but her space is soon invaded when a transport strike forces the rest of the staff to move in too. Guest starring Jeffrey Holland. Filmed: 30 September 1979
44	"Mrs Slocombe, Senior Person"	Gordon Elsbury	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	9 November 1979 (1979-11-09)
Mr Rumbold is taken ill because of food poisoning and Young Mr Grace appoints Mrs Slocombe to take his place temporarily. Clearly relishing her new role, Mrs Slocombe holes up in Mr Rumbold's office, descending to the commoners only to flaunt her executive status. However, when sales in the Ladies' Department begin to skyrocket in her absence, Mrs Slocombe fears that she'll be given the boot once Mr Rumbold gets back. A homemade meringue in Mr Rumbold's desk, however, changes everything. Guest starring Avril Angers and Gorden Kaye. Filmed: 6 October 1979 Note: This was the favourite episode of Mollie Sugden and repeated on 18 July 2009 as part of a tribute two weeks after her death on 1 July.
45	"The Hero"	Gordon Elsbury	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	16 November 1979 (1979-11-16)
Mr Franco of the Sports Department uncovers an embarrassing secret about Captain Peacock and spreads gossip among the entire department store. To save face, Captain Peacock's colleagues urge him to challenge Franco to a boxing match. At the last minute, however, Captain Peacock withdraws on advice from his doctor and Mr Humphries steps in to defend Captain Peacock's honour – in a hastily improvised wrestling match. After a terrifying match, Mrs Slocombe saves the day. Guest starring former wrestler Jackie Pallo. Filmed: 13 October 1979
46	"Anything You Can Do"	Gordon Elsbury	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	23 November 1979 (1979-11-23)
After the staff complain once too often about the food and service in the canteen, the caterers issue an ultimatum: present them with a written apology or staff the canteen themselves. To preserve their dignity, they choose the latter option, but very quickly find the subtle art of cookery quite challenging. Guest starring Ronnie Brody. Also features the only spoken lines of the lift girls played by Belinda Lee and Sue Bishop. Filmed: 20 October 1979
47	"The Agent"	Gordon Elsbury	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	30 November 1979 (1979-11-30)
Mr Goldberg is running a lucrative side business recruiting his colleagues for higher-paid sales positions in competing department stores. When Mr Humphries and Mrs Slocombe receive offers for the job of their dreams, Mr Rumbold and Captain Peacock struggle to find a way to make them stay, without actually giving them rises. Guest starring Jeffrey Segal. Filmed: 27 October 1979
Special
48	"The Punch and Judy Affair"	David Croft	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	26 December 1979 (1979-12-26)
The Gentlemen's and Ladies' departments become pariahs when they choose not to take part in a company-wide strike. In an attempt to regain favour, the departments stage a life-sized Punch and Judy show to entertain everyone. Mr Humphries directs, Mr Lucas and Miss Brahms play the title roles, Captain Peacock plays The Devil, Mr Goldberg plays the red cheeked butcher and Mrs Slocombe portrays a policewoman. Last appearance of Mr Lucas, Mr Goldberg and Miss Bakewell

Series 8 (1981)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
49	"Is It Catching?"	John Kilby	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	9 April 1981 (1981-04-09)
Mr Goldberg and Mr Lucas are replaced by Mr Grossman and Mr Spooner, and Young Mr Grace steps down, handing over the reins to his older brother, Old Mr Grace. Meanwhile, Mr Humphries contracts a rare tropical malady known as "Marine's Disease", and the entire staff are quarantined in the basement to prevent the infection from spreading. Guest starring John D. Collins. John D. Collins appeared in six different sitcoms written by David Croft. Filmed: 3 April 1981 First appearance of Mr Grossman, Mr Spooner and Old Mr Grace
50	"A Personal Problem"	John Kilby	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	16 April 1981 (1981-04-16)
Captain Peacock's marriage is on the rocks again, but this time, it is Mrs Peacock who is guilty of philandering. After Mrs Peacock starts work as Mr Rumbold's new secretary, the cuckolded Captain Peacock suspects his wife's mysterious lover is none other than Mr Rumbold, he goes to great lengths to make sure he catches them in the act. Guest starring Jack Haig. Filmed: 10 April 1981
51	"Front Page Story"	John Kilby	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	23 April 1981 (1981-04-23)
Old Mr Grace decides to publish an in-store magazine and appoints Mr Humphries as its editor. Mr Humphries finds himself up to his neck with the gossip column, but his greatest challenge proves to be ensuring the staff bonuses by orchestrating a beauty contest with Miss Brahms as the ringer. When Miss Brahms refuses, Mrs Slocombe "sacrifices herself for the sake of the department" and fills in, but ironically it's Mr Humphries (as Miss Do-It-Yourself) who takes first place: he wins a weeks holiday on Old Mr Grace's yacht, much to his displeasure. Filmed: 17 April 1981
52	"Sit Out"	John Kilby	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	30 April 1981 (1981-04-30)
Sales at Grace Brothers are getting incredibly low, so Old Mr Grace decides to either cut the staff's wages by 10%, or move them into the bargain basement. The staff are so annoyed, they come into work late and hold a roof top protest. After failing to write a slogan on the wall of the store, their protest is quickly cut short as a fire breaks out in the store. Filmed: 24 April 1981 Last appearance of Mr Grossman
53	"Heir Apparent"	John Kilby	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	7 May 1981 (1981-05-07)
Mr Klein takes over from Mr Grossman as head of the menswear department. After seeing an old photograph of Mr Humphries's mother, Old Mr Grace thinks that Mr Humphries may be his long lost son and heir to the store, so Mr Humphries' mother (played by John Inman) is called in to settle the matter once and for all. Annie Grainger is revealed as the dancer Old Mr Grace abandoned when pregnant. It's unknown if she was related to former employee Ernest Grainger. N.B.: The end credits state "Guest starring John Inman as Mrs Humphries" as well as the normal credit for John Inman. Filmed: 1 May 1981 First appearance of Mr Klein
54	"Closed Circuit"	John Kilby	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	21 May 1981 (1981-05-21)
Grace Brothers decides to advertise on television and while Miss Brahms is the face of the advert, Old Mr Grace's nurse is the voice. When the wealthy Lord Hirly sees the advert, he falls in love with the voice, which means that when he invites Miss Brahms out to dinner, she and the staff have to attempt to make him believe that Miss Brahms has the nurse's voice. Their plan is short lived after Old Mr Grace and his nurse arrive at the restaurant. Guest starring Gorden Kaye and John D. Collins. Filmed: 8 May 1981
55	"The Erotic Dreams of Mrs Slocombe"	John Kilby	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	28 May 1981 (1981-05-28)
Mrs Slocombe is repeatedly having erotic dreams about Mr Humphries and becomes increasingly fond of him, and showers him with presents. The obsession soon drives her to alcoholism, and it is decided that to cure her Mr Humphries must show her attention when they attend a ballet concert that night. Guest starring Jack Haig and Rusty Goffe. A minor error occurs when Mr Grace calls Mr Rumbold on the phone but he is actually standing outside with the rest of his floor. Filmed: 15 May 1981
Special
56	"Roots?"	John Kilby	Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft	24 December 1981 (1981-12-24)
It is Old Mr Grace's birthday, and the department want to bring a musical tribute to the Grace family. Mr Rumbold's brother Mycroft (also played by Nicholas Smith in a double role) then sets out to trace the Grace family tree, which leads to Wales, Scotland, Somerset and, ultimately (apparently), deepest Africa. Old Mr Grace and Young Mr Grace both appear in one sequence. N.B.: This episode is sometimes omitted when the series is broadcast on TV due to the main cast performing in blackface, with the exception of Wendy Richard who apparently refused to wear the makeup. Filmed: 23 May 1981 Last appearance of Young Mr Grace, Old Mr Grace, Mr Klein and the Nurse

Series 9 (1983)

Note: David Croft did not co-write the final two series of Are You Being Served?. However, he did return for the final read through and added additional material to the scripts.

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
57	"The Sweet Smell of Success"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	22 April 1983 (1983-04-22)
Mrs Slocombe decides to sell her home-made perfume to increase sales. It has to happen under the counter since Mr Rumbold would never approve of this, and what is more, the perfume seems to have some quite extraordinary qualities. Unfortunately, one of them involves threatening the Peacocks' already fragile marriage. No explanation of why Mr Klein was absent. He was never replaced in the Menswear Dept so this and all subsequent episodes have only the two male staff characters. Filmed: 18 March 1983 First appearance of Miss Belfridge
58	"Conduct Unbecoming"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	29 April 1983 (1983-04-29)
Mr Humphries is becoming frequently late for work, and it is soon revealed that an argument with his mother has forced him to move out. When money then goes missing from the till, Mr Humphries is accused of theft and Grace Brothers put him on trial. With Captain Peacock acting as the prosecutor, Mrs Slocombe as Mr Humphries' defender, and Miss Belfridge being removed from the jury for being "biased", it's a trial to remember. Mr Humphries is found guilty and forced to resign, much to everyone's dismay. However, the missing money turns up at the back of the till, exonerating Mr Humphries. To add to his sudden fortune, he makes up with his mother. Guest starring Gilda Perry, estranged wife of scriptwriter Jimmy Perry and sister of actress Diane Holland. Filmed: 25 March 1983
59	"Memories are Made of This"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	6 May 1983 (1983-05-06)
After all of his department are ill, Mr Walpole of the sports department is temporarily working on Mr Rumbold's floor. Mrs Slocombe loses her memory after being hit on the head with a golf ball. She thinks that she is a little girl and it is indeed hard for the rest of staff, who want to hide her behaviour from Mr Rumbold at all costs. By day's end, Mrs Slocombe regains her memory and gets one of the in-stock fur coats as a peace offering. It turns out that she only lost her memory for a moment, but had faked the rest so that she could get her coat. Guest starring Ballard Berkeley and Jess Conrad. Filmed: 1 April 1983
60	"Calling All Customers"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	13 May 1983 (1983-05-13)
For Grace Brothers, there may be a market in advertising on CB radio. The staff are asked to perform a radio show but they cannot agree on the plot. Mr Harman's countryside tale is chosen instead, and the staff get to work on rehearsals. To their horror, the rehearsals accidentally get broadcast across London, prompting censorship threats and the wrong type of people coming to Grace Brothers. Guest starring Nosher Powell and Ron Tarr, with voices of Vicki Michelle and Robbie Coltrane. At the time this episode aired Vicki was starring in 'Allo 'Allo!, another sitcom written by David Croft and Jeremy Lloyd. Filmed: 8 April 1983
61	"Monkey Business"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	20 May 1983 (1983-05-20)
The staff had been promised a large pay-rise, but when they hear that they are not going to get it, they decide to go to 10 Downing Street to protest to the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, a monkey has escaped from the Pet Department and is hiding in the lift shaft. Guest starring John D. Collins and Jan Ravens though only her voice is heard. The man inside the monkey costume is actor Rusty Goffe. Filmed: 15 April 1983
62	"Lost and Found"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	27 May 1983 (1983-05-27)
Mrs Slocombe's pet cat, Tiddles, has gone missing. Knowing how much she cared for the cat and fearing the worst, the staff decide to buy Mrs Slocombe a kitten. Mr Humphries is set to make the presentation, but Mrs Slocombe misinterprets it as a marriage proposal and accepts, to the shock of everyone. Guest starring Norman Mitchell. Filmed: 22 April 1983

Series 10 (1985)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date
63	"Goodbye Mrs Slocombe"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	18 February 1985 (1985-02-18)
Staff above a certain age are to be made redundant, and this applies to Mrs Slocombe. She refuses to leave Grace Brothers and becomes a cleaner. The staff want to get her back on the floor at all costs, especially when they discover she is to be replaced with the more-than-annoying Miss Featherstone. Fortunately, Mr Humphries comes to the rescue as only he can, dressing up as an annoying female customer, prompting Miss Featherstone to leave. Mrs Slocombe is reinstated but new regulations force Captain Peacock and Mr Rumbold into lower positions. The white phone in the Menswear Department has been moved from the side of a stand to the top of the counter. Filmed: 22 June 1984
64	"Grounds for Divorce"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	25 February 1985 (1985-02-25)
Captain Peacock has serious marital trouble. Miss Bagnold is completely infatuated with him and when she joins the Grace Brothers Accounts Department and Captain Peacock soon finds his position unbearable. He must choose whether that he will stay with Mrs Peacock or not, and is prepared to go to extreme measures to solve his problems. Filmed: 13 May 1984
65	"The Hold-Up"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	4 March 1985 (1985-03-04)
The staff stay in late for stocktaking, but two robbers infiltrate the building and take Miss Brahms hostage. Captain Peacock and Mr Spooner pretend to be police officers, but the robbers do not believe them. The only thing the robbers are afraid of is the vicious Gumby Gang, so Mr Harman, Mrs Slocombe and Mr Humphries pretend to be Pa Gumby, Mad Ma Gumby and their son, Italian Tony so they can rescue Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock and Mr Spooner. Filmed: 17 June 1984
66	"Gambling Fever"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	11 March 1985 (1985-03-11)
The staff are finally paid their long-expected bonuses. When Mr Harman tells them he knows of a horse that absolutely cannot lose that afternoon's race, they all bet their £100 bonuses on the horse. They want to watch the race on the television in Mr Rumbold's office, but he catches them and throws them out. Mr Harman tells them that they have lost their bonuses, but they can win them back by betting on another horse. Filmed: 19 May 1984
67	"The Night Club"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	18 March 1985 (1985-03-18)
Mr Grace gives the staff permission to use the department floor after hours to make more money for the store. It is soon decided to set up a night club with food and music. Mr Humphries has a friend in the local cinema who will broadcast a promotional commercial for the "Club Rendezvous". But when the staff are all at the cinema (which shows films of questionable taste) and the film is about to be broadcast, there are some technical problems and the promotion is reduced to sound-only. Guest starring Ronnie Brody as a cinema patron. Filmed: 13 July 1984
68	"Friends and Neighbours"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	25 March 1985 (1985-03-25)
In response to the staff's complaints about rising transportation costs, Mr Grace offers the overnight use of some penthouse apartments above the store. However, the staff's patience with each other is pushed to its limit when they have to live together as well as work together, especially when Captain Peacock tries to bring Miss Belfridge along. Crying babies, a hideaway bed, plastic flowers and a beanbag all add to the misery. Filmed: 27 May 1984
69	"The Pop Star"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	1 April 1985 (1985-04-01)
Just when it looks like his career at Grace Brothers is finished, the perennially tardy Mr Spooner finds the rest of the staff competing for his favour after a record company offers him a contract after a brilliant performance at the Department Store Annual Concert. They are all jockeying for parts as backing singers, but are worried that Mr Spooner's voice will not hold out. On the local television show, their fears are confirmed, resulting in a finale filled with lip-synching and faulty sound equipment. Guest starring Nick Ross and Suzy Aitchison. Filmed: 27 July 1984

Special (2016)

No.	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	UK viewers (millions)  [2]
70	"You Can't Teach a New Dog Old Tricks" [3]	Dewi Humphreys	Derren Litten	28 August 2016 (2016-08-28)	6.56
Filmed: 5 March 2016 First, and only, appearance of Mr Conway, Mr Grace and Miss Croft Note: This episode marks the singular return of Mr Grainger

References

1. "Two Programmes – Are You Being Served?, Pilot". BBC. 1 January 2010. Retrieved 12 August 2010.
2. "Weekly Viewing Summary (see relevant week)". BARB.
3. "You Can't Teach a New Dog Old Tricks, Are You Being Served?". BBC.

Bibliography

• Richard Webber, "I'm Free! – The Complete Are You Being Served?", Orion Books, 1999

External links

• List of Are You Being Served? episodes at EpGuides.com
• Are You Being Served? at British Comedy Guide
• Are You Being Served? at IMDb