List of Hi-de-Hi! episodes

This is an episode list for the BBC television sitcom Hi-de-Hi! by Jimmy Perry and David Croft broadcast between 1 January 1980 and 30 January 1988.

Series overview

Series	Episodes		Originally aired
			First aired	Last aired
Pilot			1 January 1980 (1980-01-01)
1	6		26 February 1981 (1981-02-26)	2 April 1981 (1981-04-02)
2	6		29 November 1981 (1981-11-29)	3 January 1982 (1982-01-03)
3	13		12 December 1982 (1982-12-12)	23 January 1983 (1983-01-23)
4	7		27 November 1983 (1983-11-27)	22 January 1984 (1984-01-22)
5	6		3 November 1984 (1984-11-03)	25 December 1984 (1984-12-25)
6	7		25 December 1985 (1985-12-25)	16 February 1986 (1986-02-16)
7	6		8 November 1986 (1986-11-08)	27 December 1986 (1986-12-27)
8	6		26 December 1987 (1987-12-26)	30 January 1988 (1988-01-30)

Episodes

Pilot (1980)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
0	"Hey Diddle Diddle"	David Croft	1 January 1980 (1980-01-01)
In 1959, Jeffrey Fairbrother, a professor at Cambridge University's archeology department, has grown tired of academic life and decided to apply as the new entertainment manager for Maplin's Essex holiday camp. Whilst his family are deeply concerned, Fairbrother begins to question his move as has a run-in with the camp's host, Ted Bovis, who is eager to keep swindling campers despite being placed in charge of the camp's new comic, Spike Dixon. But a chance meeting with some train passengers swiftly reveals that the new manager might make it after all. Note: The original broadcast of the pilot lasted 40 minutes, but, with the exception of the DVDs, repeated broadcasts on television were edited to reduce the runtime down to a more standard half-hour format.

Series One (1981)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
1	"Desire in the Mickey Mouse Grotto"	David Croft	26 February 1981 (1981-02-26)
Fairbrother is shocked when rumours circulate that he took a teenage camper back to his assigned employee chalet, despite the fact that it was Ted dating them. Gladys Pugh, the camp's radio operator and sports organizer, who happens to have fallen for him, is intent on rooting out the truth, especially as the girl involved in the rumours has very protective parents.
2	"The Beauty Queen Affair"	David Croft	5 March 1981 (1981-03-05)
Fairbrother is suspicious that Ted has been conducting scams on campers after discovering irregularities in the takings from the camp's bingo sessions. He thus becomes adamant that Ted does not conduct himself in this manner, but is placed in an awkward situation when a camper offers to bribe him so his daughter wins a contest, despite the fact she wins without any assistance.
3	"The Partridge Season"	John Kilby	12 March 1981 (1981-03-12)
Children's entertainer William Partridge lands himself in trouble after he hits some of the campers' children for annoying him. Fairbrother, believing he can mend his ways, decides to give him a second chance with an advance on his wages. But he soon regrets it when Fred Quilley, the camp's riding instructor, reveals he spent the money on alcohol and locked himself in their chalet.
4	"The Day of Reckoning"	John Kilby	19 March 1981 (1981-03-19)
Fred is horrified when a honeymooning couple identify themselves as associates of a crime boss he unintentionally ruined. The other staff are shocked when they learn Fred was bribed to fix a race but ended up winning it. Ted decides the group should help their friend out, unaware the couple in question are actually there to rob the campers and are surprised when the staff offer them a deal.
5	"Charity Begins At Home"	John Kilby	26 March 1981 (1981-03-26)
Ted decides to conduct another scam to extract money from the campers, but his new plan doesn't quite stay on track as something goes wrong in the process. Meanwhile, Fairbrother is delighted to see some old faces visit Maplins, but deeply shocked to learn they lost all their money they saved up for a trip to see family in Canada.
6	"No Dogs Allowed"	John Kilby	2 April 1981 (1981-04-02)
Jeffrey is engaged in a custody battle with his estranged wife – over a dog.

Series Two (1981–1982)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
7	"If Wet – In the Ballroom"	John Kilby	29 November 1981 (1981-11-29)
A run of wet weather – with more forecast – means the entertainment staff must come up with ever more creative ways of keeping the campers entertained.
8	"Peggy's Big Chance"	John Kilby	6 December 1981 (1981-12-06)
Jeffrey Fairbrother persuades a visitor from Head Office to interview Peggy for her dream job of Maplin's Yellowcoat.
9	"Lift Up Your Minds"	John Kilby	13 December 1981 (1981-12-13)
Convinced that Maplins should provide campers a chance to appreciate more intellectual entertainment, Fairbrother decides to conduct lunchtime record recitals. But Ted is convinced that it's an idea that won't work. He is soon proven right when a trial run flops, but soon sees an opportunity to improve the idea in a way that wasn't envisioned.
10	"On With the Motley"	John Kilby	20 December 1981 (1981-12-20)
Ted is shocked when his agent contacts him with news that a fellow comedian friend of his has fallen ill, and that he has been hired as a late replacement for a performance at a sophisticated club. Ted eagerly sees this as the break he's been waiting for, as does Peggy, who is eager for stardom. But things do not go to plan as they hope.
11	"A Night Not To Remember"	John Kilby	27 December 1981 (1981-12-27)
A series of unfortunate events leads Jeffrey to consume rather more alcohol than he intended, and he needs an escort back to his chalet. Meanwhile, Gladys has an admirer.
12	"Sausages or Limelight"	John Kilby	3 January 1982 (1982-01-03)
Spike proposes to his girlfriend, but her father wants him to quit showbusiness and join his butcher's empire if they marry. Which is the path to happiness and success?

Series Three (1982–1983)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
13	"Nice People With Nice Manners"	John Kilby	31 October 1982 (1982-10-31)
Dance instructors Yvonne and Barry Stuart-Hargreaves are eager to enjoy a tasteful party in their chalet and instruct Peggy to hand out invites to those they prefer to come over. Unfortunately, a distraction with a planned event for the campers causes her to forget to deliver them, leaving Yvonne and Barry getting quite more than they bargained.
14	"Carnival Time"	David Croft	7 November 1982 (1982-11-07)
As the entertainment staff of Maplin's prepare for their involvement in the annual Crimpton-on-Sea's carnival parade, Fairbrother is shocked when the dean of his college turns up. He soon finds himself torn between his life at the holiday camp and an opportunity for a new posting in Cambridge, until an incident leads him to decide on what he wants most. Note: Guest stars John Le Mesurier.
15	"A Matter of Conscience"	John Kilby	14 November 1982 (1982-11-14)
The camp's owner, Joe Maplin, relays news to Fairbrother that he must help with his plans to get the local council to given him a plot of land next to the camp, rather than towards a new hospital. Ted knows they must do this, even if the others will be against it, and uses deceit to trick all of them, including Peggy, to comply with Maplin's orders.
16	"The Pay-Off"	John Kilby	21 November 1982 (1982-11-21)
Maplin sends Fairbrother a parcel of money with instructions that it must be used to bribe local councillors, but his reluctance to do so leads to Ted offering to handle the matter - which soon goes wrong. Meanwhile, Fred becomes depressed when one of his favourite horses at the camp becomes sick, and that he will need at least £100 to call in a vet to treat it.
17	"Trouble and Strife"	John Kilby	28 November 1982 (1982-11-28)
Ted is shocked when his ex-wife turns up with a baliff, officially calling on him to provide the alimony payments that he's failed to pay. With help from Spike and the others, Ted decides to pull his best tricks to raise the needed cash, including tricking campers into believing Peggy's storeroom is there chalet - unless they pay to be put somewhere else.
18	"Stripes"	John Kilby	5 December 1982 (1982-12-05)
Maplin requests that Gladys be made in charge of the other Yellowcoats, who he is disappointed with. The others soon resent this when she modifies her uniform to show off her new rank. But Gladys soon regrets this, especially when she jumps to conclusions regarding her half-brother, when they arrives at the camp around the same time there is a peeping tom disturbing the female staff and campers.
19	"Co-Respondent's Course"	John Kilby	12 December 1982 (1982-12-12)
Fairbrother learns his estranged wife, who wants a divorce, has been having an affair with a judge, the Honourable Max Tewkesbury. When he arrives, he asks him to accept her request, but Fairbrother is not eager to do so. While Gladys is disturbed, due to her love for him, neither realise Max's arrival is not what it seems to be. Note: Although broadcast as part of the third series, the episode was actually meant to be part of the fourth series; the BBC however decided against this for unknown reasons.
20	"It's a Blue World"	John Kilby	19 December 1982 (1982-12-19)
Whilst some of the younger entertainment staff make plans to use the camp's cafe after hours for a private party, Ted has plans to use it to showcase some adult films to the male campers that he recently got a hold of. Fairbrother is shocked when he learns of this, especially after Gladys learns the police are arresting anyone involved in the supply and showcasing of the films.
21	"Eruptions"	David Croft	26 December 1982 (1982-12-26)
Ted is put off by a new mechanical volcano exhibit placed in the camp's ballroom, when it ruins his routine for the campers. When Fairbrother refuses to remove it, Ted calls on Fred to tamper with it, roping in Spike and Peggy to assist in the scheme. At the same time, Partridge is facing trouble for his recent drunken hijinx, and so decides to rat out the group for their actions, only to get Fairbrother and Gladys in to a bit of a problem.
22	"The Society Entertainer"	John Kilby	2 January 1983 (1983-01-02)
Spike has his head turned when a Scottish widow arrives with her attractive daughter. The resulting impact sees the camp's comic including more "sophisticated" material which is slowly annoying the campers. Ted is soon given the job of bringing Spike to his senses before he effectively ruins his career for the wrong reasons.
23	"Sing You Sinners"	David Croft	9 January 1983 (1983-01-09)
The local vicar announces to Fairbrother that he will no longer lead any further Sunday servies at the camp, owing to Maplin's increasingly bizarre suggestions that he cannot abide with. To fix the problem, the Yellowcoats are tasked with trying to fill in the gap, but Ted's proposal creates a rather bizarre Sunday service without the vicar. Note: The plot for this episode features a slight anachronism, in that despite being set in 1959, the Tom Jones song "Delilah" was not released until 1968.
24	"Maplin Intercontinental"	John Kilby	16 January 1983 (1983-01-16)
Maplin informs the staff that he is due to open a new holiday camp in the Bahamas, and is seeking to find the best Yellowcoat staff to send there. Fairbrother decides to arrange for a competition to find the most suitable candidate for the role, delighting Peggy with news she could get her dream to become a Yellowcoat herself, while Gladys eagerly seeks to win the contest on belief the manager will go to the Bahamas as well.
25	"All Change"	John Kilby	23 January 1983 (1983-01-23)
Fairbrother has a different task ahead when Barry and Yvonne anounce they are splitting up following a disagreement. This forces him to rearrange where the staff reside, with Ted and Spike forced to take in Barry, while Gladys is moved in with Yvonne. Meanwhile, Maplin sends his newly appointed Controller of Yellowcoats, Joan Wainwright, to inspect the staff, whom Ted feels he has seen before.

Series Four (1983–1984)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
26	"Concessions"	John Kilby	27 November 1983 (1983-11-27)
Ted fakes being ill so he and Partridge can sneak out of the camp to perform at a dinner for Crimpton-on-Sea's councilors, bringing along Peggy who is eager to earn some extra money serving meals. Although Fairbrother is shocked about the deception, Peggy manages to prevent them losing their jobs when she overhears something during the dinner that threatens Maplin's interests.
27	"Save Our Heritage"	John Kilby	4 December 1983 (1983-12-04)
Fairbrother is horrified when he learns that Maplin seeks to evict a widow from her cottage by fair means or foul, all in pursuit of acquiring the land to expand the camp. Eager to prevent this, he swiftly calls on his staff to help him delay Maplin's plans until a heritage group can arrange to protect the cottage from demolition.
28	"Empty Saddles"	John Kilby	11 December 1983 (1983-12-11)
Fred is shocked when Maplin announces his intentions to dispose of most of his horses that he deems are no longer suitable for the camp. Depressed greatly, the staff try to do what they can to cheer him up, until Peggy has the bright idea of taking advantage of Maplin's desires to be knighted by giving him an opportunity to look good in the press.
29	"The Marriage Settlement"	John Kilby	18 December 1983 (1983-12-18)
Gladys is surprised when she learns Fairbrother's wife has come to see him, and soon erroneously believes they plan to reconcile, when in reality he has agreed to divorce her. Peggy soon sets the record straight, before revealing Fairbrother intends to be caught with another woman, so he and his wife can have a quick divorce from each other.
30	"The Graven Image"	John Kilby	8 January 1984 (1984-01-08)
Maplin is installing a statue of himself at each of his holiday camps, and request the staff at the Crimpton-on-Sea camp to oversee a dignified occasion for its unveiling. But Spike causes problems when, while drunk, he accidentally repaints the statue into a clown. Ted is forced to quickly rectify the problem, before the unveiling ceremony.
31	"Peggy's Pen Friend"	John Kilby	15 January 1984 (1984-01-15)
Peggy is excited with the news that her pen-friend wants to meet her in person for the first time since they began writing to each other. But the entertainment staff are shocked to discover her friend is a middle-aged man, and soon fear for her welfare, especially when she receives a proposal from him.
32	"The Epidemic"	John Kilby	22 January 1984 (1984-01-22)
A Chad craze breaks out at the camp, leading Ted to concoct a bizarre tale to encourage the campers to help clean up the graffiti. Barry's efforts to help the clearup result in a back injury, leading Yvonne to call on an old dancing partner to step into his shoes.

Series Five (1984)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
33	"Together Again"	David Croft	3 November 1984 (1984-11-03)
It is 1960 and the Entertainments Staff return to Crimpton-on-Sea for the new season. Waiting for them is Jeffrey Fairbrother's letter explaining that he has resigned his post with Maplins.
34	"Ted at the Helm"	David Croft	10 November 1984 (1984-11-10)
Ted takes charge of the Entertainments Staff in Jeffrey's absence. Three new girl Yellowcoats join the staff.
35	"Opening Day"	David Croft	17 November 1984 (1984-11-17)
It's the first day of the season, and the Entertainments Staff prepare to greet the season's first campers down at the station.
36	"Off with the Motley"	David Croft	24 November 1984 (1984-11-24)
Peggy gets the offer of a promotion, but it's not the one she wanted. Note: This is the first of two consecutive episodes with a title that is almost identical to a previous episode - series 2, episode 4 “On with the Motley”
37	"Hey Diddle Diddle, Who's on the Fiddle?"	David Croft	1 December 1984 (1984-12-01)
Spike queries the real reason that Clive Dempster may have been given the job as Entertainment Manager. Note: This is the second of two consecutive episodes with a title that is almost identical to a previous episode - Pilot “Hey Diddle Diddle”
38	"Raffles"	David Croft	25 December 1984 (1984-12-25)
Ted wants to sell his broken-down old car, currently languishing in the stables. As it can't be driven out, he needs to be creative, and luckily Clive's car is of an identical model and colour…

Series Six (1985–1986)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
39	"The Great Cat Robbery"	David Croft	25 December 1985 (1985-12-25)
Peggy and the Yellowcoats read about the demise of a famous cat-burglar, who stayed on the camp the previous summer. The police have still to find some of his ill-gotten gains and are offering a reward – did he hide them on the camp?
40	"It's Murder"	David Croft	5 January 1986 (1986-01-05)
As Mr Partridge's behaviour gets increasingly out of hand, protests ensue from the campers while Barry and Yvonne start a petition to get him sacked. However things take a turn for the worse following the masked ball.
41	"Who Killed Mr Partridge?"	David Croft	12 January 1986 (1986-01-12)
The Entertainments Staff gather in the staff room in the early hours as the mystery of Mr Partridge's fate unfolds.
42	"Spaghetti Galore"	David Croft	19 January 1986 (1986-01-19)
It's Gladys' birthday, and the staff plan a surprise dinner at Tony's Trattoria, but they're not the only ones.
43	"A Lack of Punch"	Robin Carr and David Croft	26 January 1986 (1986-01-26)
The Entertainments Staff pitch in to provide entertainment for the younger campers in the absence of Mr Partridge.
44	"Ivory Castles in the Air"	Robin Carr and David Croft	9 February 1986 (1986-02-09)
Corporate sponsorship rears its head at Maplins as the Yellowcoats compete to find the Fluorabrite Couple of the Year, while Clive has a proposition for Gladys.
45	"Man Trap"	Robin Carr and David Croft	16 February 1986 (1986-02-16)
In the aftermath of the Fluorabrite Couple of the Year competition, the truth takes a back seat to Joe Maplin's quest for publicity.

Series Seven (1986)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
46	"Pigs Might Fly"	Robin Carr and David Croft	8 November 1986 (1986-11-08)
Barry has left Yvonne, who is distraught and refuses to leave her chalet. Gladys decides the only answer is to call on Julian Dalrymple-Sykes, her partner of yesteryear.
47	"The New Broom"	Robin Carr	15 November 1986 (1986-11-15)
Alec Foster, the new Camp Controller (Ewan Hooper) arrives on camp, and woe betide anyone who displeases him.
48	"Orphan of the Storm"	Robin Carr	22 November 1986 (1986-11-22)
Alec Foster continues to dominate life at the camp, with Peggy suffering the brunt of his bullying ways.
49	"God Bless Our Family"	Robin Carr and David Croft	6 December 1986 (1986-12-06)
Clive's Aunt and Uncles arrive at the camp, intent on making him see sense and return to Dempster Hall.
50	"Only the Brave"	Robin Carr and David Croft	13 December 1986 (1986-12-13)
The staff take a late-night trip to the cinema to celebrate April's birthday, but Gladys falls asleep during the film and has a strange dream...
51	"September Song"	David Croft	27 December 1986 (1986-12-27)
Ted falls for a young woman holidaying with her parents, and the two plan to form a musical act together. Note: This episode was broadcast as the Series 8 Christmas special and runs just under 44 minutes.

Series Eight (1987–1988)

No.	Title	Director	Airdate
52	"Tell It to the Marines"	David Croft	26 December 1987 (1987-12-26)
Ted's boasting to the visiting Royal Marines leads to a showdown over the Marines' assault course between the Marines and the Yellowcoat men. Note: This episode was broadcast as the Series 9 Christmas special and runs just under 45 minutes
53	"Marry Go Round"	Mike Stephens	2 January 1988 (1988-01-02)
Spike worries that being in love is eroding his comic abilities, but asking Gladys for advice only complicates matters further.
54	"The Perils of Peggy"	Mike Stephens	9 January 1988 (1988-01-09)
Peggy tries to smooth the path to happiness of the various romantic entanglements at Maplins.
55	"Let Them Eat Cake"	Mike Stephens	16 January 1988 (1988-01-16)
The Entertainments Staff prepare to stage their French Revolution Tableau on the pool, but the rehearsals don't bode well for a successful show.
56	"Wedding Bells"	Mike Stephens	23 January 1988 (1988-01-23)
It's Gladys and Clive's wedding day, if they can make it to the church without mishap or unwanted guests.
57	"The Wind of Change"	Mike Stephens	30 January 1988 (1988-01-30)
The season is coming to a close. When Dawn is taken to hospital with appendicitis, Peggy is appointed her replacement. As the staff make plans for the winter and look forward to returning next season, Alec Foster arrives to announce Maplins is modernising and the golden days of Yellowcoats, Hi-de-hi calls, and knobbly knees competitions are coming to an end. Note: The runtime of this episode is just under 34 minutes.

External links

• List of Hi-de-Hi! episodes at the British Comedy Guide
• Hi-de-Hi! at IMDb