Yesterday, whilst looking at clippings about ‘Allo ‘Allo, the last line of this review jumped out at me.
![](http://www.simondunn.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Allo04-303x1024.jpg)
I am constantly amazed by all the gaps in my sitcom knowledge. Bootle Saddles is a new one to me. It was written by Ray Mansell & Paul Benn, and aired on BBC Two in the autumn of 1984. It had the unusual broadcast time of 8.30pm.
The show was announced among the big autumn line-up like this:
![](https://www.simondunn.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bootle01-804x1024.jpg)
It was up against some strong opposition, with Chance In A Million over on Channel 4.
![](https://www.simondunn.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Bootle02-979x1024.jpg)
But Bootle Saddles’ first episode was watched by 3.95 million viewers, and Chance was watched by 1.35 million.
![](http://www.simondunn.me.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/BootleSaddles-1024x576.jpg)