Clocking Off : Complete BBC Series 1 [2000]

However, "Clocking Off", while very definitely set in the North, has managed to overcome these stereotypes fostered by our Southern-biased programmers, and what we have is an excellent series of self-contained dramas featuring some of the most talented and watchable British actors around, including the always-brilliant Christopher Ecclestone, Leslie Sharpe, Ricky Tomlinson (admitedly playing the same character he always does but still effectively)to name but a few, and loads of faces you'll have seen many times on TV but perhaps can't put a name to. And although there are a few nods towards traditional TV Northern culture (perhaps to appease those who live south of Sheffield?) the stories are gripping, touching and brilliantly scripted. I saw it for the first (and only) time several years ago when it was first broadcast and several of the stories stick in my mind even now- realistic situations you could easily find yourself in. The one I particulary remember was with the aforementioned Mr. Tomlinson, when he had to choose whether to stay with his long-time disabled wife and live an utterly miserable but blameless existence or to abandon his wife and make a new life with another woman, complete with unbearable guilt. It was an incredibly poignant and beautifully-acted tale.

If you haven't seen this already (and let's face it, they show it practically on a loop on UK Gold), then it's a must-have.

I'd forgotten just how good...
Review date: 2004-11-04 Rating: 10 out of 10

...this was! I used to watch this series on TV years ago and was really pleased when I found out that it was finally being released on DVD. It's a fantastic programme set in a northern textile factory and follows the life stories of the workers and management with very clever storylines and insightful writing. It has a great cast including the lovely Jason Merrills from Cutting It . Go buy it now !