Never Too Late

Vintage comedy drama starring Dame Thora Hird as straight-talking Hilda Springett, one very determined widow… Treat yourself to this vintage sitcom from the 80’s, full of charm and humour starring the inimitable Dame Thora Hird as the strong-willed yet lovable Hilda Springett. This is a laugh-out-loud drama about the antics of a group of fun-loving pensioners making the most of life. Hilda believes everyone should have a purpose. However, she also believes her purpose is to make sure everyone else has one… In Series One, busy Hilda is organising a collection for her overseas charity whilst giving a pep talk to her pal Emily. On top of this, she’s making holiday plans and halting Social Services from sending Tommy to a care home. Meanwhile, man-mad Mildred's passions are aroused by the return of an old flame. Will the gang make it to Weston-super-Mare despite transport problems and will Tommy be able to keep Emily and Mildred’s surprise birthday plans a secret? “Old people should value the future - they've got less of it.” Hilda, Tommy, Mabel and Emily return in Series 2 with yet more hilarious adventures. Hilda is spurred into action when the council threatens to close Carson Street Day Centre and she is convinced a fancy dress sponsored fund-raiser will be a walk in the park. Meanwhile, Tommy gets an unusual offer knocking on a door while collecting for charity. Friends, fundraisers and fete dramas unfold in this charming listen, perfect for fans of As Time Goes By , The Thursday Murder Club and For Better or Worse . BAFTA winning actress Dame Thora Hird’s career spanned over 70 years. She appeared in film and on stage as well as in many television roles. She became a household name, and is perhaps best-known for her role of nearly two decades, as Edie Pegdenin in Last of the Summer Wine. Cast and credits Series 1 Written by Terry Gregson Produced by Edward Taylor Hilda Springett - Thora Hird Mildred Emmett - Avis Bunnage Emily Holroyd - Megs Jenkins Tommy Preston - Joe Gladwyn Doctor Brown/Albert Pickles/The Vicar - Kenneth Connor Mabel - Pearl Hackney With David Gooderson, Jon Glover, David Bradshawe, Martyn Read and Tom Mennard First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, December - February 1980 Series 2 Written by Terry Gregson Produced by Edward Taylor Hilda Springett - Thora Hird Mildred Emmett - Avis Bunnage Emily Holroyd - Megs Jenkins Tommy Preston - Joe Gladwyn Doctor Brown - Kenneth Connor George/Sam the Butcher - John Livesey Mabel - Pearl Hackney Ben Wilkinson - Lockwood West With John Graham, Henry Knowles, David Ryall, Barbara Miller, Michael Tudor Barnes and Katherine Parr First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, December - February 1981 ©2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd