Of Funerals and Fish first episode, is referred to as Harold; when the character went on to appear in the series, he would be called Wally. Of Funerals and Fish "Of Funerals and Fish" is the pilot episode of the world's longest running sitcom, "Last of the Summer Wine" (1973–2010), written by Roy Clarke. It was first aired on 4 January 1973 and became the first of 295 episodes. It was aired as a "Comedy Playhouse" episode. The plot involved the trio going around discussing life and death. It starred Bill Owen, Peter Sallis and Michael Bates. This also was the first appearance of
Broadcast to the Empire Broadcast to the Empire Broadcast to the Empire is the fourth (and final) Christmas Night with the Stars sketch of the British television comedy series "Dad's Army" that was originally transmitted on Monday 25 December 1972. A full-length radio version was also made, entitled "Ten Seconds From Now" (This was the last radio episode made). The platoon are very excited as they have been chosen to take part in the BBC Radio Christmas Broadcast "To Absent Friends", in which they are due to perform a short dramatised presentation about their duty as members of the Home Guard, just before The