As Time Goes By: Series 8 and 9

Share more love and laughter in the BBC's most enduring romantic comedy series, starring Dame Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer. Wedding bells ring for Alistair and Judith, but what about Sandy and Harry? A mystery woman and a surprise reappearance keep things lively for Jean and Lionel. The final ten episodes, plus the hour-long special You Must Remember This.

In the early '50s, a young army officer and a student nurse fell in love. Four decades later, they meet again by accident. Just a wrinklies' reunion or will romance be rekindled?

Series 8
In the eighth season of six episodes, Judith and Sandy try swapping boyfriends, while Lionel attracts the attention of a dog. Concerned about his lack of pension, Lionel considers selling the country home. And Jean's attempts to add a bathroom to the house and to get on the Internet create more hysterical mayhem.

Series 9
In the final season of four episodes, Alistair and Judith prepare for their wedding. Harry gets an offer to start a new life in Canada. But will Sandy be a part of it? As the younger generation starts to move on, the house begins to feel empty for Jean and Lionel. But a mystery woman on their doorstep and a surprise reappearance ensure things won't be dull for long.

You Must Remember This
In this hour-long special, Lionel contemplates writing a follow-up to his autobiography, and he and Jean reflect on the memorable moments they've shared since finding each other again.

Series 8
Episode 1 - As Judith and Sandy no longer have boyfriends Jean wants to think of a way to cheer them up. She enlists Lionel's support. When Alistair calls round on business Jean thinks he has come to help.

Episode 2 - Lionel finds a dog. Jean, Judith and Sandy want to keep him, but Lionel insists they should trace the real owner. Sandy meets her ex-boyfriend Harry (a policeman) who later turns up with the dog's real owner.

Episode 3 - Lionel walks in on Sandy in the bath and Jean decides it is time to have an additional bathroom added. She calls in a builder and as the building project progresses, tensions mount. Sandy and Judith consider moving out.

Episode 4 - Jean's sister-in-law Penny and husband Steven visit and announce that when they retire they will live in Spain - all paid for with pension plans. Lionel broods over his lack of pension.

Episode 5 - In order to ease Lionel's financial situation Alistair suggests that he sell the country house. Lionel and Jean travel to the country to break the news to Mrs. Bale, Lol and Rocky.

Episode 6 - Jean decides it's time to join the technological age. Lionel is frustrated by her enthusiasm for the Internet and refuses to help her get connected. Alistair meets Lionel at a pub and tells him that he's lost all his money.

Series 9
Episode 1 - Sandy’s policeman boyfriend, Harry, calls at the house to tell Sandy some important news. Jean tries desperately to get it out of him, but isn’t supported by Lionel, who keeps changing the subject. Meanwhile, Alistair – who has had dates with both girls in the household – suddenly realises he wants Judith and that he should settle down. But his business is booming, so which will come first – work or romance? Meanwhile, Sandy is discovering Harry’s news. He has been promoted to Detective Sergeant and has been offered an attachment to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. But though he is making plans for his new life, it is beginning to look as if she may not be part of it.

Episode 2 - Alistair has finally proposed marriage to Judith and has been accepted. Jean is naturally delighted for her daughter and can’t wait to make plans for the wedding. Needless to say, there are some complications when realisation strikes confirmed bachelor Alistair, while Judith has her own plans for a country wedding. Jean’s sister-in-law Penny and her long-suffering husband Stephen have some news of their own which may prevent them from attending the wedding – he is due to receive an OBE for his services to dentistry. Meanwhile, Lionel’s father Rocky and Mrs Bale prepare for the big event in the village.

Episode 3 - As the day of Judith and Alistair’s wedding approaches, the women are putting the final touches to their plans.A minor hitch occurs when the best man breaks his leg, so Rocky is asked to do the honours instead. Alistair is still being emotional while Jean is now working hard to pair Harry off with Sandy. The day of the country wedding finally arrives and turns out to be a big success – with a little help from Rocky, Lol and Mrs Bale.

Episode 4 - With Judith and Alistair away on their honeymoon, the house seems very empty to Jean and Lionel. Despite all Jean and Sandy’s efforts, Harry has still not proposed, so Jean is considering asking Sandy to take over as office manager at the secretarial agency. To Lionel’s disapproval, she also befriends a young back-packer who they find camping out on their doorstep. However, all ends well as Harry finally sees sense and whisks Sandy off with him to Canada, leaving Jean and Lionel are alone at last.

Episode 5 - With the house to themselves for the first time in ages, Jean and Lionel reflect on their life together. Jean tries to persuade Lionel to write 'part two' of his autobiography, starting when they met again after 38 years and rekindled their romance. Lionel dismisses this idea, convinced that no one would believe the story, but Jean persists, illustrating with flashbacks how each pivotal moment, such as their meeting and his proposal, could be a chapter in the book.

Episode 6 - Jean and Lionel continue to reminisce about their life together, recalling with more than a bit of mirth Jean's discomfort with any young woman who caught Lionel's eye, Judith and Sandy's tumultuous relationships, and Lionel's stubbornness regarding his health. The flashbacks illustrate what a uniquely affectionate relationship they have. But the question remains, will Lionel agree to tell their story in an autobiography?

Jean	---	Dame Judi Dench
Lionel	---	Geoffrey Palmer
Judith	---	Moira Brooker
Sandy	---	Jenny Funnell
Alistair	---	Philip Bretherton
Harry	---	David Michaels
Penny	---	Moyra Fraser
Simon	---	Paul Chapman
Rocky	---	Frank Middlemass
Mrs Bale	---	Janet Henfrey
Lol Ferris	---	Tim Wylton

Written by Bob Larbey
Directed by Sydney Lotterby
Produced by Sydney Lotterby
Executive Produced by Philip Jones, John Reynolds

“A little bit of England died last night with the final episode of the middle-class, chintz-and-slippers comedy As Time Goes By. For ten years Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer, as Jean and Lionel, have been demonstrating that EastEnders doesn't provide the best or the only model of marriage or, indeed, manners.Television from now on will be that much less civilised.” - Daily Mail

“Much of this show’s popularity can be attributed to the deft performances, but its old-fashioned style of humour plays a large part, too. It doesn’t deliver a belly laugh a second, nor does it have the repetitive setup/punchline rhythm of a US sitcom, but it does leave viewers with smiles on their faces and warm feelings in their hearts.” - Radio Times

“Dame Judi's citrus-sharp observations as Jean, served up with Geoffrey Palmer's dry wit as Lionel, have provided an irresistible feast for viewers.” - Leicester Mercury