1 9 9 7 – 1 9 9 8 (UK)
6 x 30 minute episodes
This six-part Friday night LWT comedy series followed the increasingly ridiculous antics of two salesmen on the warpath.
In the cut-throat world of interior furnishings, Graham Holdcoft (Jeremy Swift from Next of Kin) knows he’s the best, and whatever he does, he’s determined to come out on top. Whether he’s selling Mediterranean Festoon blinds or taking part in the local pub quiz, he has to succeed.
But along comes new neighbour Phil Carver (Jesse Birdsall), who also happens to be Graham’s new work colleague and rival at the posh company Luxus Interiors – a company specialising in selling window blinds.
The stage is set for a farcical contest of one-upmanship as Graham and Phil demonstrate the extremes that men will go to when the testosterone starts to flow.
Sophie Thompson (sister of Emma) plays Graham’s long-suffering wife, Caroline, who has to pick up the pieces after the battle of the egos.
There were two attempts at a US version of the show: one by NBC in 1998 starring Patrick Warburton and Wallace Shawn, and a second in 2001 by CBS with French Stewart, Sherilyn Fenn and David Threlfall. Neither made it past a pilot episode.
Graham Holdcroft
Jeremy Swift
Caroline Holdcroft
Sophie Thompson
Valerie Marsden
Tamsin Greig
Phil Carver
Jesse Birdsall
Neil
Raji James
Bob
Roger Blake
Tony
Andy Taylor
Ian
Danny Swanson