Duty Free
British TV sitcom called “Duty Free” that aired on ITV from 1984 to 1986. It was created and written by Eric Chappell and starred Keith Barron, Gwen Taylor, Joanna Van Gyseghem, and Neil Stacy.
The show followed two couples who met on holiday in Spain and became friends. David Pearce (played by Keith Barron) and his wife Amy (played by Gwen Taylor) were a middle-aged couple from the UK who had been married for 20 years, and Robert Cochrane (played by Neil Stacy) and his wife Linda (played by Joanna Van Gyseghem) were a younger couple who were recently married.
The series revolved around the antics and misunderstandings that ensued when the two couples returned to the UK and found themselves living in adjacent apartments. David was a successful businessman who was frequently on the phone making deals, while Amy was a housewife who enjoyed cooking and gardening. Robert was an aspiring author who often struggled with writer’s block, and Linda was a former model who was interested in fashion and beauty.
The show was popular in the UK and was praised for its witty writing and strong performances by the cast. It was also broadcast in other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Duty Free cast where are they now?
Many of the cast members of “Duty Free” have continued to have successful acting careers after the show ended. Here is a brief update on what some of them have been up to:
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Keith Barron – Who played David Pearce, passed away in 2017 at the age of 83.
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Gwen Taylor – Who played Amy Pearce, has appeared in numerous TV shows and films over the years, including “Barbara,” “Heartbeat,” and “Coronation Street.”
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Joanna Van Gyseghem – Who played Linda Cochrane, has also continued to act in TV shows and films, including “The Bill,” “Casualty,” and “EastEnders.”
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Neil Stacy – Who played Robert Cochrane, has appeared in a variety of TV shows and films, including “Inspector Morse,” “The Bill,” and “The King’s Speech.”
Other actors who appeared in “Duty Free” have also gone on to have successful careers in the entertainment industry, including Carlos Douglas, who played the hotel manager, and Susan Penhaligon, who played David’s mistress, and have continued to work in various TV shows and films.
Duty Free Cast
The main cast of the British TV sitcom “Duty Free,” which aired on ITV from 1984 to 1986, included:
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Keith Barron as David Pearce
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Gwen Taylor as Amy Pearce
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Joanna Van Gyseghem as Linda Cochrane
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Neil Stacy as Robert Cochrane
Other recurring and guest actors included:
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Carlos Douglas as Don Carlos
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Neil McCarthy as Maurice Riley
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Susan Penhaligon as Linda Cochran’s friend
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Ivor Danvers as the tour guide
These are some of the main actors who appeared in the show, but there were other actors who had recurring or guest roles throughout the series as well.
Duty Free Critical Reception
“Duty Free” was a popular sitcom in the UK during its run from 1984 to 1986, and it was also broadcast in other countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The show was praised for its witty writing and strong performances by the cast, particularly Keith Barron and Gwen Taylor, who played the central couple.
While the show has not become a cultural phenomenon or had a lasting impact on the TV landscape, it is still fondly remembered by fans of British comedy from that era. The show has been released on DVD and has been rerun on TV in the UK, which suggests that it still has some enduring popularity.
Where to watch Duty free now?
“Duty Free” is not currently airing new episodes, as the show’s original run was from 1984 to 1986. However, the show has been released on DVD, and it may also be available for streaming on some platforms or channels that feature classic TV shows.
You may be able to find “Duty Free” on streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, BritBox, or Acorn TV, which specialize in British TV shows and may have a selection of classic comedies like “Duty Free.” Alternatively, you could check with your local DVD retailer or online marketplace to purchase a DVD box set of the show.
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