Ronnie Barker same year, determined not to be remembered only as Fletcher, Barker opted to end "Porridge" after three series and instead focused on the second pilot "Open All Hours", alongside David Jason. Barker starred as Arkwright, a money-grabbing, stuttering shopkeeper. Arkwright's stutter was not in the script; Barker was inspired to use it by Melvyn's performance and use of a stutter in a 1955 play the two performed at the Palace Theatre called "Hot Water". "Open All Hours" aired one series in 1976 on BBC Two but was not renewed due to low ratings. As a result, Barker backtracked on his
The Funny Side of Christmas Craig as Ria, Geoffrey Palmer as Ben, Andrew Hall as Russell, Nicholas Lyndhurst as Adam, Bruce Montague as Leonard, and as Michael Ripper as Thomas Written by Griff Rhys Jones and Mel Smith. Cast: Mel Smith as Mr Mather, and Griff Rhys Jones as Trevor It is Christmas morning, and we learn that Granville and Arkwright are invited to Nurse Gladys' flat for dinner. Granville is looking forward to it, but Arkwright's anticipation is tempered by the knowledge that Gladys' mother will be there. Written by Roy Clarke. Cast: Ronnie Barker as Arkwright, David Jason as Granville, and Lynda Baron