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Howard's Way

Episode 4 of 8

Series which unearths the history and anecdotes behind cult British Sunday night drama series looks at Howards' Way, the UK's glossy answer to American soaps Dallas and Dynasty.

Series which unearths the history and anecdotes behind cult British Sunday night drama series looks at Howards' Way.

It was nearly called The Boatbuilders, which didn't really communicate creator Gerard Glaister's desire for a British serial drama with all the glamour of the American soaps of the day. But borrowing from Dallas and Dynasty proved to be inspired and the re-named Howard's Way became a Sunday night must-see for millions, as well as giving Marti Webb an appearance on Top of the Pops.

Unashamedly aspirational and said to capture the ethos of the eighties, it outlasted Margaret Thatcher's term as prime minister by a mere three days. So how does it look from a 21st century vantage point? And could it possibly be true that many of us aspired to dress like Ken Masters and Jan Howard?

30 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Narrator Meera Syal
Director Ewan Torrance
Producer Ewan Torrance
Executive Producer Toby Stevens
Executive Producer Alan Tyler

Broadcasts