That’s TV 3, the British archive TV channel, has announced it will broadcast the sitcom The Rag Trade. They will be airing the LWT revival of the series, which starred Peter Jones, Miriam Karlin and Anna Karen. The announcement was posted on their social media alongside a video clip of the series.
What is The Rag Trade?
The Rag Trade is set in a bustling garment factory called Fenner’s Fashions, where the workforce constantly battles with management over wages, conditions, and workplace antics. Led by a strong-willed shop steward, the employees frequently clash with the factory owner, Harold Fenner (Jones), and his foreman.
The show first aired on the BBC in 1961, running for 36 episodes over three series before ending in 1963. It was created by Ronald Chesney and Ronald Wolfe and starred Miriam Karlin, Peter Jones, Reg Varney, and Esma Cannon. Due to the BBC’s wiping policy in this era, only 20 episodes exist.
In 1977, London Weekend Television revived The Rag Trade with a new cast, including Peter Jones reprising his role as Fenner, alongside Anna Karen and Gillian Taylforth. The theme tune for the LWT series was written and performed by Lynsey de Paul (credited as Joan Brown)
The Progression of That’s TV
The That’s TV network has significantly increased its offering of classic TV in recent years. What started as a single channel airing reruns of Benny Hill and Kenny Everett, has expanded into multiple channels with classic programming.
Current shows include Home to Roost, Bread, Duty Free, and Rising Damp. They have begun adding several shows from the ITV archive onto the schedule, including classics from LWT and Carlton. New additions have included Barbara and On the Buses. We will continue to publicise future additions following their announcement.
That’s TV 3 is available to view on Freeview (71), Sky (183), and Virgin (296).
Jamie’s Reaction
I can’t believe The Rag Trade is going to be broadcast on television again! This is the later colour version, which I have a fondness for. It’s a chance to see a whole host of familiar faces, many of which were household names for a long time!
The reason for starting the run at series 4, will be due to the difference in rights. The BBC produced the first few series back in the sixties but opted not to revive the show later. This fell to LWT to produce the colour series, which modern-day ITV owns the subsequent rights to. If That’s TV wanted to run all that exists, they’d have to negotiate with two parties.
When is The Rag Trade on That’s TV 3?
The Rag Trade will begin airing on Monday the 10th of February at 11:05 pm, on That’s TV 3. Check the That’s TV schedule for more details.
Will you be watching The Rag Trade? Let us know on social media or by commenting below.
