The Two of Us

The Two of Us is an ITV comedy series starring Nicholas Lyndhurst and Janet Dibley as Ashley and Elaine, an unmarried couple living together, at a time when this was becoming increasingly common in Britain, but still considered slightly controversial in some circles. It was produced by London Weekend Television. While Ashley was keen for the pair to get married and would regularly propose, Elaine saw no reason to get married and was happy to keep her independence. Ashley's roguish grandfather Perce (played by Patrick Troughton, but later by Tenniel Evans after Troughton's death) was supportive of the couple, but Ashley's domineering mother (Jennifer Piercey) disapproved and constantly urged the pair to marry. Ashley's suppressed father (Paul McDowell) seemed less upset, but generally backed up his wife in the hope of a quiet life and the odd sherry.

Comedy

Seasons

1. Proposals

Air Date: 1986-10-31

Ashley porposes to Elaine - yet again. Although the couple live together, Elaine is determined to hang on to her freedom.

2. Family Pressures

Air Date: 1986-11-07

Although Ashley and Elaine live together, staying overnight at Ashley's parents always means seprate bedrooms. Ashley issues his mother an ultimatum: a double room, or no more visits. His mother, Mrs. Pearce maintains her principles in a very senaky way.

3. The Limit

Air Date: 1986-11-14

Ashley and Elaine decide to put their relationship on the line and test it to the limit.

4. Cracks in the Pavement

Air Date: 1986-11-21

Elaine is critical of Ashley's appearance and behaviour, so he decides to make a few changes.

5. Feeling Broody

Air Date: 1986-11-28

Ashley is desparate to start a family. Not sharing his enthusiasm for babies, Elaine sures him of his madness by arranging for baby Lawrence to stay the weekend.

6. The Contract

Air Date: 1986-12-05

Ashley and Elaine decide that an American-style cohabitation contract would free them from all the stupid, petty arguments that every couple has over mundane issues. What sounds good in theory threatens to turn into a disaster.

7. The End of the Beginning

Air Date: 1986-12-12

The highly conventional Ashley still wants to marry the independent Elaine. Of course, the last thing Elaine wants is to settle down... but Ashley won't take no for an answer.

1. The Vital Spark

Air Date: 1987-09-11

2. Lifestyles

Air Date: 1987-09-18

3. Comparisons

Air Date: 1987-09-25

4. Getting Better

Air Date: 1987-10-02

5. Career Development

Air Date: 1987-10-09

6. Retirement Plans

Air Date: 1987-10-16

1. Wedded Miss (Christmas Special)

Air Date: 1988-12-23

2. Should Auld Acquaintance Be Forgot

Air Date: 1989-01-06

3. The Poser

Air Date: 1989-01-13

4. The Party

Air Date: 1989-01-20

5. The Prediction

Air Date: 1989-01-27

6. Trust

Air Date: 1989-02-03

7. The Bargain

Air Date: 1989-02-10

8. Stay With It

Air Date: 1989-02-17

9. The Bequest

Air Date: 1989-02-24

1. The Telephone Only Rings Twice

Air Date: 1990-01-14

2. Strictly Business

Air Date: 1990-01-21

3. The Treasure

Air Date: 1990-01-28

4. The Treasurf

Air Date: 1990-02-04

6. Fine Adjustments

Air Date: 1990-02-18

7. Old Scores

Air Date: 1990-02-25

9. The Quest

Air Date: 1990-03-11

10. Best Laid Schemes

Air Date: 1990-03-18

Select an episode to start watching

Rating

5.3/10

Release Date

1986-10-31

Episodes

30 (4 seasons)

Status

Ended

Cast