Never a Cross Word

1 9 6 8 – 1 9 7 0 (UK)
6 x 45 minute episodes
7 x 30 minute episodes

This LWT comedy featured cost accountant Ronald Baldock (Paul Daneman) and his scatterbrained suburban housewife Deirdre (Nyree Dawn Porter) living in semi-detached suburbia.

The second series saw the episodes cut from 45-minutes to 30-minutes and moved from Friday to Saturday nights. Barbara Murray also replaced Nyree Dawn Porter as Deirdre.

Ronald now had a new job in the advertising business and the Baldocks had moved from suburbia to a new house in upmarket Chelsea. Deidre also had a part-time job at an art gallery.

During the course of 13 episodes, the couple advertised for a lodger, entertained American house guests, went caravanning on the Continent, tried to cure their alcoholic friend, experienced problems with a hitchhiker, borrowed a friend’s au pair girl, dealt with the unexpected arrival of an old flame of Ronald’s, and redecorate the country cottage of Ronal’s boss (with disastrous consequences).

Guests stars included Hattie Jacques, John Alderton, Sam Kydd, June Whitfield, Gerald Flood, James Beck, Kate O’Mara and Donald Churchill.

Ronald Baldock
Paul Daneman
Deirdre Baldock
Nyree Dawn Porter (1)
Barbara Murray (2)

Episodes

Mr and Mrs Baldock and Friend | The Baldocks at Bay | The Camping Baldocks | Saint Deirdre | The Fighting Baldocks | Defeat of the Baldocks || Sir or Madam | Old Flame | Interior Devastation | Murder She Says | On the Rocks | When Is a Spy…? | Warm It