1 9 8 3 (UK)
10 x 25 minute episodes
17-year-old Rodney Baverstock (Michael Waterman) wins £758,000 (and 27 pence) on the football pools thanks to his Aunt Adelaide (Kathleen Moffatt) who enters a coupon for him each week.
With the prize money, he buys a tiger, a red Ferrari replete with Swedish chauffeur Claudine (Sylvia Sachs) – who was also a naturist – and gardener Prince Charming (Roy Alexander). He also buys a mansion near Arsenal’s ground at Highbury for himself and his friends, including girlfriend Liz (Lucy Aston) and best mate Thornton (Lloyd Peters) who was a genius with electronics and gadgets and thought he was a robot.
He also finances the recording career of his soul/reggae singer mate Sami Tate (Vivienne McKone) and becomes her manager.
Sadly, Aunt Adelaide later discovers she has cancer so Rodney and Liz take her on a round-the-world trip.
This Sunday afternoon drama series for kids was made by Television South for ITV and filmed around Southampton (though it’s set in North London).
Rodney Baverstock
Michael Waterman
Prince Charming
Roy Alexander
Thornton Duff
Lloyd Peters
Mr Baverstock
Don Henderson
Liz Bourne
Lucy Aston
Claudine
Sylvia Sachs
Sami Tate
Vivienne McKone
Sam Beazley
David Rippey
Mr Beazley
Derek Deadman
Mrs Baverstock
Gillian Martell
Aunt Adelaide
Kathleen Moffatt
Trixie
Debbie Wheeler
Mrs Bourne
Elizabeth Weaver
Mr Simmons
Anthony Ainley
Dee Horst
David Baxt