List of Are You Being Served? episodes

The following is a list of episodes for the British sitcom Are You Being Served? that aired from 1972 to 1985. All episodes were 30 minutes long. There was a film in 1977, also entitled Are You Being Served?. While all episodes were in colour, the pilot had originally survived only in black-and-white as a film transfer from the original colour source, however it was restored into colour using the Chroma dots computer colour restoration technique, and was aired on BBC Two on 1 January 2010.

Series overview

All Ten Series, including both the black & white and colour versions of the pilot episode and all five Christmas specials from those years, are now available on DVD in the UK (Region 2). Are You Being Served: the Movie was released in 2002.

All ten series, as well as both series of Grace & Favour (in packaging titled Are You Being Served? Again!) and the film are available on DVD in Region 1 (North America).

All ten series, as well as both series of Grace & Favour (under the original title) and the film have been released in Australia (Region 4).

Are You Being Served? – Best of The Early Years and Are You Being Served? Christmas Specials DVDs have also been released.

Also see List of Are You Being Served? characters.

Episodes

Pilot (1972)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
1	"Are You Being Served?" (pilot)	Bernard Thompson	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	8 September 1972
A reorganization within the store forces the staff of the Gentlemen's Ready-To-Wear Department to share their floor space with the Ladies Department. Mrs. Slocombe, head of the Ladies, and Mr. Grainger, head of the Gents, immediately come to loggerheads over control of the centre floor display. Mr. Grainger refuses to take down his trousers and put Mrs. Slocombe's underwear in its place. Undaunted, she goes over his head to Captain Peacock, and then to Mr. Rumbold. Guest starring Michael Knowles. Filmed:May 1972 (Episode of Comedy Playhouse.)

Series 1 (1973)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
2 (1)	"Dear Sexy Knickers..."	Bernard Thompson	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	21 March 1973
Mr. Lucas tries to salvage his bad day at work by sending a love note to Miss Brahms, whom he addresses as "Sexy Knickers," asking her to meet him after work. His attempt to deliver the note to Miss Brahms is unsuccessful, and when he tries to retrieve it, he is thwarted by Captain Peacock. Captain Peacock intercepts the note and hands it to Mrs. Slocombe unread, setting off a succession of misunderstandings. Filmed:16 February 1973
3 (2)	"Our Figures Are Slipping"	Bernard Thompson	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	28 March 1973
Sales figures for the department are falling, and Mr. Rumbold insists the staff stay behind after the store closes to learn about sales technique. Mr. Rumbold suggests that Mr. Lucas "smile more" in an effort to help boost his sales figures, but the junior's half-hearted implementation seems to have the opposite effect. Filmed:23 February 1973
4 (3)	"Camping In"	Bernard Thompson	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	4 April 1973
Due to a transport strike, the staff are forced to stay in the store overnight. They decide to make the best of the situation by appropriating tents from the sporting department and camping in the store. After struggling to erect their tents, and debating sleeping arrangements, the staff talk and sing over an electric camp fire. Guest starring Colin Bean and Pamela Manson. Filmed:2 March 1973
5 (4)	"His and Hers"	Bernard Thompson	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	11 April 1973
The sales staff are upset when Grace Brothers hires an attractive outside saleswoman (Joanna Lumley) to demonstrate a new unisex line of perfume, "His and Hers". Sales of the perfume cut into the staff's commissions, and when they discover that the saleswoman is giving away freebies with every purchase, the staff comes together and successfully sabotage the perfume stand. The saleswoman quits, but the staff learns that they have, in effect, bitten the hand that feeds them and must now sell the perfume themselves. Filmed:10 March 1973
6 (5)	"Diamonds Are a Man's Best Friend"	Bernard Thompson	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	18 April 1973
On the day they get their meager wages, the staff search frantically for a diamond lost in the store by a customer who is offering a £100 reward for its return. Though they initially all agree to split the reward between them should any one of them find the diamond, greed washes over everyone, and when each believes they have found the missing stone, plots to cheat one another out of the reward money are hatched. Guest starring Janet Davies and Elizabeth Larner. Filmed:17 March 1973

Series 2 (1974)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
7 (1)	"The Clock"	Harold Snoad	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	14 March 1974
As Mr. Grainger celebrates his 65th birthday, all the staff wonder whether he'll get the traditional cuckoo clock that means he is being retired. In the evening, the staff and Mrs. Grainger have dinner and Mr. Rumbold tells Captain Peacock that Grainger is being given the cuckoo clock. However, Young Mr. Grace makes a late appearance and gives the clock to himself and gives Mr. Grainger another five years. Guest starring John Ringham. Filmed:3 March 1974
8 (2)	"Cold Comfort"	Harold Snoad	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd, Michael Knowles	21 March 1974
Due to fuel reserves being in short supply, Grace Brothers turn off the central heating, despite it being bitterly cold. While Mr. Rumbold secretly uses an electric fire, the floor staff use other methods to keep themselves warm until Captain Peacock finds out and takes all the devices to Mr. Rumbold's office. In an attempt to hide the electric fire, Mr. Rumbold's office is set on fire. It is put out by Mr. Lucas. Filmed:10 March 1974
9 (3)	"The Think Tank"	Harold Snoad	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	28 March 1974
After being down by £600 last week, Mr. Rumbold forms a "think tank" to come up with ways to increase sales. Captain Peacock suggests a fashion show, for which Mr. Rumbold then takes the credit. When this is performed, with the staff as the models, in front of Young Mr. Grace, he doesn't like it and suggests a sale. Filmed:17 March 1974
10 (4)	"Big Brother"	Harold Snoad	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd, Michael Knowles	4 April 1974
Shoplifting is on the increase, so Mr. Rumbold decides to get CCTV installed and recruits Mr. Clegg, formerly of CID, who searches the staff as they leave. Using the CCTV from his office, Rumbold can watch everyone, and he soon catches all the staff doing things they shouldn't. After being confronted, the staff come up with a plan to make Mr. Rumbold get rid of the cameras. Filmed:24 March 1974
11 (5)	"Hoorah for the Holidays"	Harold Snoad	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	11 April 1974
Young Mr. Grace decides to have the whole store redecorated and will close the shop for two weeks in August. The management hope the staff will take their holidays during this time and offer them £5 "inconvenience money". When the staff refuse this, Young Mr. Grace offers them a choice of destinations which he will pay for them to go to. The choices, however, leave a lot to be desired. Guest starring John Clegg. Filmed:31 March 1974

Series 3 (1975)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
12 (1)	"The Hand of Fate"	David Croft	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	27 February 1975
One of the directors is retiring from the Board due to ill health, and Mr. Rumbold is being considered for the position. If he gets the position, Captain Peacock will take over from him, and Mr. Grainger and Mrs. Slocombe both want to replace Peacock. Meanwhile, Mr. Humphries reveals he can read palms and when he reads Captain Peacock's it leads the staff to believe he and Rumbold will both be promoted, while Mrs. Slocombe's palm says she will have a man at her feet. Filmed:Autumn 1974
13 (2)	"Coffee Morning"	David Croft	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	6 March 1975
Following Mr. Grainger being late from his coffee break, Mr. Rumbold and Captain Peacock institute a book that must be signed and timed when people take their tea or coffee break or go to the toilet. The other staff then agree to refuse to sign it, and when Mr. Grainger becomes the first person to refuse he is fined 25 pence. Mr. Rumbold also docks Mr. Grainger 25 pence for lost work for being late. Mr. Mash then calls a "go slow" to make the management give in to their demands.
14 (3)	"Up Captain Peacock"	David Croft	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	13 March 1975
As a reward for being at Grace Brothers for 20 years, Captain Peacock is given the key to the executive lavatory and access to the executive dining room, both of which annoy Mr. Grainger in particular. Meanwhile, the whole floor is annoyed when their lunch hour is delayed by one hour until 2pm and Mr. Grainger thinks about ringing the Factory Inspector. Guest starring Donald Hewlett, Michael Knowles, and Jeffrey Segal.
15 (4)	"Cold Store"	David Croft	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	20 March 1975
Mr. Lucas has a girl coming to visit him, so he tries to pretend he has a cold to get the day off work. Captain Peacock gets Sister (played by Joy Allen) to check his temperature, which says he is perfectly normal. However, Mrs. Slocombe does have a cold, but refuses to go home. Miss Brahms, who has an injection to prevent her getting a cold, refuses to work with her. Captain Peacock then decides that the solution is that Mr. Lucas work with Mrs. Slocombe for the day, but he still tries to get sent home sick by falling down the stairs aided by Mr. Mash. Guest starring Pamela Cundell and Gordon Peters.
16 (5)	"Wedding Bells"	David Croft	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	27 March 1975
Mrs. Slocombe argues with Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold when she refuses to sell certain items. Young Mr. Grace announces to the department that he intends to ask someone in Grace Brothers to marry him, having been a widower for 40 years. He then invites Mrs. Slocombe for tea, and the staff think he is going to ask her to marry him. However, he merely wants her advice on whether to ask Miss Robinson, of the Jewellery Department, and by accident puts him off marriage completely. Guest starring John Clegg.
17 (6)	"German Week"	David Croft	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	3 April 1975
Young Mr. Grace decides to have a "German Week" where the department will sell only German goods. However, after two days they discover they have only made 64 pence, so Mr. Rumbold and the floor staff decide to give the department a more German feel by dressing up and serving German wine. Guest starring Joanna Lumley.
18 (7)	"Shoulder to Shoulder"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd, Michael Knowles	10 April 1975
When Young Mr. Grace decides that he can only afford to have half of the department decorated, the Ladies' Wear Department is forced to temporarily relocate to Menswear while the work is carried out, and friction ensues over how much display space Mrs. Slocombe should be allowed.
19 (8)	"New Look"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd, Michael Knowles	17 April 1975
At an after-hours meeting, the staff open the department's Suggestion Box, only to find that there are no useful suggestions. They then decide that background music and a recorded store-wide voiceover will boost sales. When cash is offered to do the voiceover, all the floor staff want the recorded voice to be theirs. Unfortunately, Young Mr. Grace concludes that the only voice he likes is his own. Guest starring Felix Bowness.

Christmas special (1975)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
20 (9)	"Christmas Crackers"	Ray Butt	John T. Chapman, Jeremy Lloyd	22 December 1975
The staff are called to an early morning meeting to decide on ways to boost Christmas sales figures. However, Young Mr. Grace has already decided that all the floor staff will have to wear novelty costumes, something which none of them are too happy about. Filmed:November 1975 First appearance of Doremy Vernon as The Canteen Manageress Last appearance of Mr. Mash

Series 4 (1976)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
21 (1)	"No Sale"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	8 April 1976
Grace Brothers decide to open at 8.30am in order to attract customers on their way to work. The idea is a great success with takings up, but by the afternoon the floor staff decide to make sure takings are the same as the Monday before to avoid having to come to work at 8.30 every day, so they try to put people off buying things. Guest starring Reg Dixon and Gordon Peters. Filmed:2 April 1976
22 (2)	"Top Hat and Tails"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	15 April 1976
Young Mr. Grace wants the Ladies' and Men's Wear department to form a ballroom dancing team to enter the national Golden Shoes Competition, and when a financial reward is offered all the staff are happy to take part. During rehearsals, Young Mr. Grace watches them to decide whether they are good enough. First appearance of Mr. Harman Filmed:9 April 1976
23 (3)	"Forward Mr. Grainger"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	22 April 1976
When Mr. Rumbold goes to Swansea for a month-long sales seminar, Mr. Grainger is placed in charge, much to Captain Peacock's annoyance. Mr. Grainger soon makes himself very unpopular because of the way he runs the department. However, very soon Mr. Rumbold comes back as the hotel in Swansea has flooded and everyone ignores Mr. Grainger. Filmed:16 April 1976
24 (4)	"Fire Practice"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	29 April 1976
Young Mr. Grace warns Mr. Rumbold that there will be a fire drill but refuses to tell him at what time. Meanwhile, an Arab Emir arrives in the department wishing to buy a pair of trousers for one of his wives, but no one is allowed to touch her, so measuring her proves difficult. While they are completing the sale, the fire alarm goes off and the staff response means they all have to stay behind that evening and practice what to do if there is a fire. Filmed:23 April 1976
25 (5)	"Fifty Years On"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	5 May 1976
Mrs. Slocombe reminds everyone that her birthday is approaching, and the rest of the staff work out that she will be 50. They then buy her a present and practise singing "Happy Birthday", and Mr. Humphries has a special cake made. However, when the cake is revealed and it says "50" Mrs. Slocombe is horrified. Mr. Harman also unveils the "If you want to get a head get a hat" promotional mannequin which only works properly when the "Flexi-Girdle Corporation" display works. Guest starring Tony Sympson and Mavis Pugh. Filmed:30 April 1976
26 (6)	"Oh What a Tangled Web"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	12 May 1976
Both Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold's secretary Miss Hazelwood are late, and it is rumoured that they are having an affair. It is revealed that the staff have suspected them of having an affair since the Christmas party. Mrs. Peacock (played by Diana King) arrives at the store, as does Miss Hazelwood's father, and an inquiry has to be held after both Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Grainger are attacked due to several misunderstandings and Captain Peacock explains what happened between him and Miss Hazelwood. Filmed:7 May 1976

Christmas special (1976)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
27 (7)	"The Father Christmas Affair"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	24 December 1976
Grace Brothers decides to have electric Father Christmas models, but this is soon cancelled when they go wrong. Young Mr. Grace then decides to offer £50 to a member of the department, including Mr. Rumbold, to dress up as Father Christmas and give gifts to the children. Young Mr. Grace gets a young boy to decide which one of the staff will be Father Christmas. Meanwhile, Mr. Grainger is worried about his annual performance to entertain the residents of an old people's home. Filmed:6 December 1976

Series 5 (1977)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
28 (1)	"Mrs. Slocombe Expects"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	25 February 1977
When the male staff hear Mrs. Slocombe talking to Miss Brahms about a "happy event", they think that Mrs. Slocombe is pregnant. However, it turns out that it is her cat that is expecting, and Mrs. Slocombe asks Mr. Rumbold if the cat can give birth in the fitting room so she can be near it. When he refuses, Mr. Harman smuggles it in. Meanwhile, Young Mr. Grace tries to show the staff how to improve sales.
29 (2)	"A Change Is as Good as a Rest"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	4 March 1977
The floor staff are summoned to the Board Room, and while they wait for Mr. Rumbold and Young Mr. Grace they look in the file on the table which says they are all to be replaced. In protest they decide to resign and Mr. Grainger does so first. However, they are then told that all the staff are merely changing departments for a week. Mr. Grainger asks for his job back, but Mr. Humphries and Mr. Lucas have already been promoted, so he is made Junior Assistant. Later, the staff are moved to the Toy Department for the week and Mr. Rumbold tries to get Mr. Grainger his old job back.
30 (3)	"Founder's Day"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	11 March 1977
To celebrate Young Mr. Grace's 80th birthday, the staff plan a This Is Your Department, a spoof of This Is Your Life, using Young Mr. Grace's memoirs to show how he has affected all of their lives. Meanwhile, Mrs. Slocombe and Miss Brahms argue when a customer (played by Tim Barrett) wants to buy two fur coats, one for his wife and one for his girlfriend.
31 (4)	"The Old Order Changes"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	18 March 1977
After visiting the United States, Young Mr. Grace decides on the new idea of American informality in the hope of increasing sales. This includes all the staff calling each other by their first names, dressing in their own clothes and background music. However, after a week or so Young Mr. Grace returns from China and has a new set of ideas. Guest starring Jeffrey Holland and Bernice Adams.
32 (5)	"Take-over"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	25 March 1977
Having been told a rival store is attempting a take-over of Grace Brothers, the staff soon worry for their jobs. Mr. Rumbold then comes up with a plan to make sure the take-over is voted against at a Shareholders' Dinner, and when money is offered all the staff volunteer to dress up as sympathetic shareholders who can't get to the dinner. Mr. Harman and Mrs. Slocombe dress up as Lord and Lady Stableforth, with Miss Brahms as their daughter Lavinia and Mr. Grainger as Sir Richard Ryan. Meanwhile, when the chef and waiters can't get there, Mr. Humphries is forced to stand in as chef with Mr. Lucas and Captain Peacock as the waiters. Guest starring Mavis Pugh.
33 (6)	"Goodbye Mr. Grainger"	Ray Butt	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	1 April 1977
Mr. Grainger has become increasingly bad-tempered, something which is not helped by him losing the centre display stand to Mrs. Slocombe for "bra week". The rest of the staff agree that he has to go, and when Mr. Harman tells Mr. Grainger of their decision he resigns first. However, the following day he comes in and apologises for his bad mood. The reason for the change of mood becomes clear when he tells them he was won The Pools. He showers his co-workers with gifts and his resignation letter reaches Mr. Grace's office, but Mr. Humphries soon speaks to The Pools firm and discovers that Mr. Grainger has not won anything. Surprisingly, Mr. Grainger is not totally disappointed, and he decides to stay on. And then, his unopened resignation letter is revealed, with interesting results.
34 (7)	"It Pays to Advertise"	Bob Spiers	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	8 April 1977
Grace Brothers decide to make an advert, set in a cocktail bar, to increase sales. This is filmed in the department using the staff as actors and with Mr. Humphries as the director. Meanwhile, Mr. Humphries and Mrs. Slocombe have been chosen to be made into life-size models to represent the average man and woman in the street. Guest starring Ferdy Mayne. Last appearance of Mr. Grainger

Series 6 (1978)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
35 (1)	"By Appointment"	Bob Spiers	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	15 November 1978
The staff return from their holidays, and Mr. Tebbs has replaced Mr. Grainger as Head of Men's Wear. After Captain Peacock returns sounding like Donald Duck and Mr Lucas with burnt feet, the staff are soon told that the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are making an official visit to the borough, and they might be coming to Grace Brothers. The staff rehearse what to do if the Royal couple visit and on the day they all dress up in their finery and then watch them in the street below from Mr. Rumbold's office window. Unfortunately, just as it appears the Queen and Prince Philip might be about to enter the store, Mrs. Slocombe accidentally knocks a plant pot off the window ledge which narrowly misses the Royal couple, who get back in their car and speed away from the scene as quickly as possible! Filmed:29 October 1978 First appearance of Mr. Tebbs
36 (2)	"The Club"	Bob Spiers	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	22 November 1978
The staff are offered a room in the basement that they can turn into a social club. Young Mr. Grace says he will spend up to £300 on decorating it, so when the decorators give their estimate as £500 so the staff offer to do the job themselves and pocket £50 each. However, the job soon proves more difficult than they first thought. Guest starring Mavis Pugh. Filmed:5 November 1978
37 (3)	"Do You Take This Man?"	Bob Spiers	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	29 November 1978
Mrs. Slocombe becomes engaged to a Greek man called Mr. Metaxas, and her wealthy American uncle Wendal P. Clark (played by Norman Mitchell) has offered to pay for the reception and will buy the couple a house as a wedding present. However, on the morning of the wedding, the best man (Gorden Kaye) brings bad news: The groom is already married, and his wife has demanded that he return home to Greece. The staff, hoping to help Mrs. Slocombe, decide to fake the wedding ceremony right in the store, with Mr. Humphries as the "groom" and Mr. Tebbs playing a Greek Orthodox priest. Guest starring Felix Bowness. Filmed:12 November 1978
38 (4)	"Shedding the Load"	Bob Spiers	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	6 December 1978
After continuing falling sales, it is decided that one of the floor staff will have to be made redundant and the management decide to let the staff decide which of them it will be. After a secret ballot, which results in everyone except Mr. Humphries getting one vote, the staff gather at the store on the weekend to battle it out. However, Young Mr. Grace announces that the cutbacks have been cancelled and that he is giving himself a three-day week instead. Filmed:19 November 1978
39 (5)	"A Bliss Girl"	Bob Spiers	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	13 December 1978
A stall to sell "Bliss" perfume has arrived on the floor, but because of the thick fog, the Bliss salesgirl has not arrived. It is then decided that Mr. Humphries should sell the perfume instead so he is then made to staff the stall. This means that the Menswear Department is undermanned, so Mr. Rumbold orders a furious Captain Peacock to work the menswear counter instead of Mr Humphries. Guest starring Jan Holden and Bernice Adams. Filmed:26 November 1978

Christmas special (1978)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
40 (6)	"Happy Returns"	Bob Spiers	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	26 December 1978
It is Young Mr. Grace's birthday, and the staff sing the traditional birthday song for him and enjoy the traditional free lunch. They later rehearse their cabaret performance for Young Mr. Grace's birthday party, a ballet called The Ballet of the Toys. A professional cabaret troupe will also be performing at the party, and when the troupe arrives, it turns out they themselves will be performing The Ballet of the Toys, which forces the staff to go to Plan B. Last appearance of Mr. Tebbs

Series 7 (1979)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
41 (1)	"The Junior"	David Croft	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	19 October 1979
When Mr. Tebbs retires, Mr. Humphries and Mr. Lucas are both promoted, so Mr. Rumbold and Young Mr. Grace advertise for candidates for the junior position. After an applicant that lives in a packing case in Covent Garden and another that Mr Humphries dislikes the staff decide to go home. Suddenly, Mr Goldberg, a gifted salesman with an endearing personality, immediately makes himself popular with all the staff, except with Captain Peacock, whom Mr. Goldberg says he used to know. First appearance of Mr. Goldberg Filmed:16 September 1979
42 (2)	"Strong Stuff This Insurance"	Gordon Elsbury	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	26 October 1979
The staff gets the opportunity to participate in a lucrative group insurance scheme that will land them all sizable pensions upon retirement. Unfortunately, they must first pass through a physical examination. In an effort to shape up without spending too much money, Mr. Humphries enlists his former ballet instructor. After their physicals, they retreat to Young Mr. Grace's office to learn the results, and what they hear shocks them. Guest starring Amanda Barrie and Joy Allen. Filmed:23 September 1979
43 (3)	"The Apartment"	David Croft, Gordon Elsbury	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	2 November 1979
Mrs. Slocombe is rendered temporarily homeless after squatters invade her new flat. After her co-workers fail to provide accommodation, Young Mr. Grace allows her to move into the store's Furniture Fitting Department on the top floor. Mrs. Slocombe turns the floor into a cosy home-from-home, but her space is soon invaded when a transport strike forces the rest of the staff to move in too. Guest starring Jeffrey Holland. Filmed:30 September 1979
44 (4)	"Mrs. Slocombe, Senior Person"	Gordon Elsbury	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	9 November 1979
Mr. Rumbold is taken ill because of food poisoning and Young Mr. Grace appoints Mrs. Slocombe to take his place temporarily . Clearly relishing her new role, Mrs. Slocombe holes up in Mr. Rumbold's office, descending to the commoners only to flaunt her executive status. However, when sales in the Ladies' Department begin to skyrocket in her absence, Mrs. Slocombe fears that she'll be given the boot once Mr. Rumbold gets back. A homemade meringue in Mr. Rumbold's desk, however, changes everything. Guest starring Avril Angers. Favourite episode of Mollie Sugden, repeated on 18 July 2009 as part of a tribute two weeks after her death on 1 July. Filmed:6 October 1979
45 (5)	"The Hero"	Gordon Elsbury	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	16 November 1979
Mr. Franco of the Sports Department uncovers an embarrassing secret about Captain Peacock and spreads gossip among the entire department store. To save face, Captain Peacock's colleagues urge him to challenge Franco to a boxing match. At the last minute, however, Captain Peacock withdraws and Mr. Humphries steps in to defend Captain Peacock's honour — in a hastily improvised wrestling match. After a terrifying match, Mrs Slocombe saves the day. Guest starring Jackie Pallo. Filmed:13 October 1979
46 (6)	"Anything You Can Do"	Gordon Elsbury	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	23 November 1979
After the staff complain once too often about the food and service in the canteen, the caterers issue an ultimatum: present them with a written apology or staff the canteen themselves. To preserve their dignity, they choose the latter option, but very quickly find the subtle art of cookery quite challenging. Filmed:20 October 1979
47 (7)	"The Agent"	Gordon Elsbury	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	30 November 1979
Mr. Goldberg is running a lucrative side business recruiting his colleagues for higher-paid sales positions in competing department stores. When Mr. Humphries and Mrs. Slocombe receive offers for the job of their dreams, Mr. Rumbold and Captain Peacock struggle to find a way to make them stay, without actually giving them rises. Guest starring Jeffrey Segal. Filmed:27 October 1979

Christmas special (1979)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
48 (8)	"The Punch and Judy Affair"	David Croft	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	26 December 1979
The Gentlemen's and Ladies' departments become pariahs when they choose not to take part in a company-wide strike. In an attempt to regain favour, the departments stage a life-sized Punch and Judy show to entertain everyone. Mr. Humphries directs, Mr. Lucas and Miss Brahms play the title roles, Captain Peacock plays The Devil, Mr Goldberg plays the red cheeked butcher and Mrs. Slocombe brings convincing masculinity to the role of policewoman. Last appearance of Mr. Lucas and Mr. Goldberg

Series 8 (1981)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
49 (1)	"Is It Catching?"	John Kilby	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	9 April 1981
Mr. Goldberg and Mr. Lucas are replaced by Mr. Grossman and Mr. Spooner, and Young Mr. Grace steps down, handing over the reins to his older brother, Old Mr. Grace. Meanwhile, Mr. Humphries contracts a rare tropical malady known as "Marine's Disease", and the entire staff are quarantined in the basement to prevent the infection from spreading. Guest starring John D. Collins. Filmed:3 April 1981 First appearance of Mr. Grossman, Mr. Spooner and Old Mr. Grace
50 (2)	"A Personal Problem"	John Kilby	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	16 April 1981
Captain Peacock's marriage is on the rocks again, but this time, it is Mrs. Peacock who is guilty of philandering. After Mrs Peacock starts work as Mr Rumbold's new secretary, the cuckolded Captain Peacock suspects his wife's mysterious lover is none other than Mr. Rumbold, he goes to great lengths to make sure he catches them in the act. Guest starring Jack Haig. Filmed:10 April 1981
51 (3)	"Front Page Story"	John Kilby	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	23 April 1981
Old Mr. Grace decides to publish an in-store magazine and appoints Mr. Humphries as its editor. Mr. Humphries finds himself up to his neck with the gossip column, but his greatest challenge proves to be ensuring the staff bonuses by orchestrating a beauty contest with Miss Brahms as the ringer. When Miss Brahms refuses, Mrs. Slocombe "sacrifices herself for the sake of the department" and fills in, but ironically it's Mr. Humphries (as Miss Do-It-Yourself) who takes first place: he wins a weeks holiday on Old Mr. Grace's yacht, much to his displeasure. Filmed:17 April 1981
52 (4)	"Sit Out"	John Kilby	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	30 April 1981
Sales at Grace Brothers are getting incredibly low, so Old Mr Grace decides to either cut the staff's wages by 10%, or move them into the bargain basement. The staff are so annoyed, they come into work late and hold a roof top protest. After failing to write a slogan on the wall of the store, their protest is quickly cut short as a fire breaks out in the store. Filmed:24 April 1981 Last appearance of Mr. Grossman
53 (5)	"Heir Apparent"	John Kilby	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	7 May 1981
Mr Klein takes over from Mr Grossman as head of the menswear department. After seeing an old photograph of Mr. Humphries's mother, Old Mr. Grace thinks that Mr. Humphries may be his long lost son and heir to the store,so Mr. Humphries' mother (played by John Inman) is called in to settle the matter once and for all. Filmed:1 May 1981 First appearance of Mr. Klein
54 (6)	"Closed Circuit"	John Kilby	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	21 May 1981
Grace Brothers decides to advertise on television and while Miss Brahms is the face of the advert, Old Mr. Grace's nurse is the voice. When the wealthy Lord Hirly, sees the advert, he falls in love with the voice, which means that when he invites Miss Brahms out to dinner, she and the staff have to attempt to make him believe that Miss Brahms has the nurse's voice. Their plan is short lived after Old Mr Grace and his nurse arrive at the restaurant. Guest starring Gorden Kaye and John D. Collins. Filmed:8 May 1981
55 (7)	"The Erotic Dreams of Mrs. Slocombe"	John Kilby	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	28 May 1981
Mrs. Slocombe is repeatedly having erotic dreams about Mr Humphries and becomes increasingly fond of him, and showers him with presents. The obsession soon drives her to alcoholism, and it is decided that to cure her Mr. Humphries must show her attention when they attend a ballet concert that night. Guest starring Jack Haig and Rusty Goffe. Filmed:15 May 1981

Christmas special (1981)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
56 (8)	"Roots?"	John Kilby	David Croft, Jeremy Lloyd	24 December 1981
It is Old Mr. Grace's birthday, and the department want to bring a musical tribute to the Grace family. Mr. Rumbold's brother Mycroft (also played by Nicholas Smith in a double role) then sets out to trace the Grace family tree, which leads to Wales, Scotland, Somerset and, ultimately (apparently), deepest Africa. Last appearance of Young Mr. Grace, Old Mr. Grace, Mr. Klein and the Nurse

Series 9 (1983)

Note: David Croft did return for the final read through and added additional material to the scripts.

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
57 (1)	"The Sweet Smell of Success"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	22 April 1983
Mrs. Slocombe decides to sell her home-made perfume to increase sales. It has to happen under the counter since Mr. Rumbold would never approve of this, and what is more, the perfume seems to have some quite extraordinary qualities. Unfortunately, one of them involves threatening the Peacocks' already fragile marriage. First appearance of Miss. Belfridge Filmed:8 April 1983
58 (2)	"Conduct Unbecoming"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	29 April 1983
Mr. Humphries is becoming frequently late for work, and it is soon revealed that an argument with his mother has forced him to move out. When money then goes missing from the till, Mr. Humphries is accused of theft and Grace Brothers put him on trial. With Captain Peacock acting as the prosecutor, Mrs. Slocombe as Mr. Humphries' defender, and Miss Belfridge being removed from the jury for being "biased", it's a trial to remember. Mr. Humphries is found guilty and forced to resign, much to everyone's dismay. However, the missing money turns up at the back of the till, exonerating Mr. Humphries. To add to his sudden fortune, he makes up with his mother. Filmed:14 April 1983
59 (3)	"Memories Are Made of This"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	6 May 1983
After all of his department are ill, Mr Walpole of the sports department is temporarily working on Mr Rumbold's floor. Mrs. Slocombe loses her memory after being hit on the head with a golf ball. She thinks that she is a little girl and it is indeed hard for the rest of staff, who want to hide her behaviour from Mr. Rumbold at all costs. By day's end, Mrs. Slocombe regains her memory and gets one of the in-stock fur coats as a peace offering. It turns out that she only lost her memory for a moment, but had faked the rest so that she could get her coat. Guest starring Ballard Berkeley and Jess Conrad. Filmed:22 April 1983
60 (4)	"Calling All Customers"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	13 May 1983
For Grace Brothers, there may be a market in advertising on CB radio. The staff are asked to perform a radio show but they cannot agree on the plot. Mr. Harman's countryside tale is chosen instead, and the staff get to work on rehearsals. To their horror, the rehearsals accidentally get broadcast across London, prompting censorship threats and the wrong type of people coming to Grace Brothers. Guest starring Nosher Powell and Ron Tarr, with voices of Vicki Michelle and Robbie Coltrane. Filmed:29 April 1983
61 (5)	"Monkey Business"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	20 May 1983
The staff had been promised a large pay-rise, but when they hear that they are not going to get it, they decide to go to 10 Downing Street to protest to the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, a monkey has escaped from the Pet Department and is hiding in the lift shaft. Guest starring John D. Collins and Jan Ravens. Filmed:6 May 1983
62 (6)	"Lost and Found"	Bob Spiers	Jeremy Lloyd	27 May 1983
Mrs. Slocombe's pet cat, Tiddles, has gone missing. Knowing how much she cared for the cat and fearing the worst, the staff decide to buy Mrs. Slocombe a kitten. Mr. Humphries is set to make the presentation, but Mrs. Slocombe misinterprets it as a marriage proposal and accepts, to the shock of everyone. Guest starring Norman Mitchell. Filmed:13 May 1983

Series 10 (1985)

Ep.	Title	Directed by:	Written by:	Airdate
63 (1)	"Goodbye Mrs. Slocombe"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	18 February 1985
Staff above a certain age are to be made redundant, and this applies to Mrs. Slocombe. She refuses to leave Grace Brothers and becomes a cleaner. The staff want to get her back on the floor at all costs, especially when they discover she is to be replaced with the more-than-annoying Miss Featherstone. Fortunately, Mr. Humphries comes to the rescue as only he can, dressing up as an annoying female customer, prompting Miss Featherstone to leave. Mrs. Slocombe is reinstated but new regulations force Captain Peacock and Mr. Rumbold into lower positions. Filmed:1984
64 (2)	"Grounds For Divorce"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	25 February 1985
Captain Peacock has serious marital trouble. A Miss Bagnold is completely infatuated with him and when she joins the Grace Brothers Accounts Department and Captain Peacock soon finds his position unbearable. He must choose whether he will stay with Mrs. Peacock or not, and is prepared to go to extreme measures to solve his problems. Filmed:1984
65 (3)	"The Hold Up"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	4 March 1985
The staff stay in late for stocktaking, but two robbers infiltrate the building and take Miss Brahms hostage. Captain Peacock and Mr. Spooner pretend to be police officers, but the robbers do not believe them. The only thing the robbers are afraid of is the vicious Gumby Gang, so Mr. Harman, Mrs. Slocombe and Mr. Humphries pretend to be Pa Gumby, Mad Ma Gumby and their son, Italian Tony. Filmed:1984
66 (4)	"Gambling Fever"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	11 March 1985
The staff are finally paid their long-expected bonuses. When Mr. Harman tells them he knows of a horse that absolutely cannot lose that afternoon's race, they all bet their £100 bonuses on the horse. They want to watch the race on the television in Mr. Rumbold's office, but he catches them and throws them out. Mr. Harman tells them that they have lost their bonuses, but they can win them back by betting on another horse. Filmed:1984
67 (5)	"The Night Club"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	18 March 1985
Mr. Grace gives the staff permission to use the department floor after hours to make more money for the store. It is soon decided to set up a night club with food and music. Mr. Humphries has a friend in the local cinema who will broadcast a promotional commercial for the "Club Rendezvous". But when the staff are all at the cinema (which shows films of questionable taste) and the film is about to be broadcast, there are some technical problems and the promotion is reduced to sound-only. Filmed:1984
68 (6)	"Friends and Neighbours"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	25 March 1985
In response to the staff's complaints about rising transportation costs, Mr. Grace offers the overnight use of some penthouse apartments above the store. However, the staff's patience with each other is pushed to its limit when they have to live together as well as work together, especially when Captain Peacock tries to bring Miss Belfridge along. Crying babies, a hideaway bed, plastic flowers and a beanbag all add to the misery. Filmed:1984
69 (7)	"The Pop Star"	Martin Shardlow	Jeremy Lloyd	1 April 1985
Just when it looks like his career at Grace Brothers is finished, the perennially tardy Mr. Spooner finds the rest of the staff competing for his favour after a record company offers him a contract after a brilliant performance at the Department Store Annual Concert. They are all jockeying for parts as backing singers, but are worried that Mr. Spooner's voice will not hold out. On the local television show, their fears are confirmed, resulting in a finale filled with lip-synching and faulty sound equipment. Filmed:1984

Bibliography

• Richard Webber, "I'm Free! – The Complete Are You Being Served?", Orion Books, 1999

External links

• List of Are You Being Served? episodes at EpGuides.com
• Are You Being Served? at British Comedy Guide
• Are You Being Served? at IMDb