Watch Hi-De-Hi!

Hi-De-Hi! was a British sitcom that aired on BBC 1 from 1981-1988. The show was set in a fictional holiday camp in the late 1950s and early 1960s called Maplins, and followed the lives and antics of the staff who worked there. The show was created and written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, who had previously created other successful sitcoms such as Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum. It was directed by John Kilby and produced by David Croft.

The main cast of the show included Simon Cadell as Jeffrey Fairbrother, the new entertainment manager at Maplins; Paul Shane as Ted Bovis, the camp's resident comedian and chief troublemaker; and Ruth Madoc as Gladys Pugh, the overzealous Yellowcoat who was always trying to impress her superiors.

The other staff members included Spike Dixon (Jeffrey Holland), a naive and clumsy handyman; Peggy Ollerenshaw (Su Pollard), a ditzy chalet maid; Sylvia Garnsey (Nikki Kelly), a snooty dance instructor; and Barry Stuart-Hargreaves (Barry Howard), a pompous and arrogant camp host.

Each episode followed the staff as they dealt with a variety of problems and dilemmas, including misbehaving guests, rivalries between departments, and clashes with the camp's owner, Joe Maplin (played by various actors throughout the series).

The show was known for its catchy theme song, which was written and performed by Paul Shane, and its colourful 1950s-style costumes and set design. It also often included musical performances and dance numbers, which showcased the talents of the cast and added to the show's nostalgic feel.

Over the course of its seven seasons, Hi-De-Hi! became a beloved British favourite and attracted millions of viewers each week. It was praised for its clever writing, sharp wit, and memorable characters, and helped launch the careers of its talented cast members.

Sadly, Simon Cadell passed away in 1996 at the age of 45, while Paul Shane died in 2013 at the age of 72. Ruth Madoc, who recently turned 78, continues to act and perform.

Even though Hi-De-Hi! ended almost 30 years ago, it remains a beloved part of British television history and continues to entertain audiences with its nostalgic charm and timeless humour.

Hi-De-Hi! is a series that ran for 9 seasons (57 episodes) between February 25, 1981 and on BBC 1