"Who’s A Pretty Boy?"

22nd December 1983

Two new characters are introduced in this episode – Denzil, old friend of Del and hen-pecked husband to Corrine, and amiable Mike Fisher the new landlord at the Nag’s Head.

Del hasn’t met Mike before. He clearly has history with Denzil, once incurring his wrath by messing up the catering at his and his wife Corrine’s wedding (they ended up with a jam sponge as a wedding cake). This seems to have happened the previous year. Interestingly, Denzil isn’t unconvinced that painting and decorating is in the Trotter family background [so if Denzil is supposed to be an old school friend, which isn’t explicitly stated at his stage, then either he and Del have lost touch since, or they weren’t especially close to begin with].

Grandad was a decorator for the council in 1924, but was sacked after two days for papering over a serving hatch.

Del’s camel-hair overcoats… complete with hump!

In this episode, Del outwits Brendan the Irish Decorator, and says hello to Ranji in the pub.

Sharon is still serving at the Nag’s Head as this episode starts, but with the introduction of Mike, the ever-changing barmaid rosta at Del and Rodney’s local would soon become a thing of the past…

It’s the first exotic drink for a while, but Del orders a "Campari and Diet Coke".

Rodney’s white dungarees. Denzil’s bright green top and horrid multi-coloured house (which seems to have zebra-skin wallpaper – no wonder they want it decorated). Bulges all round. Except for Grandad, obviously.

Del knows Denzil’s budgie is called ‘Busby’ without being told, unless this is a nickname?

A bit of a minor classic – the Trotters as chaotic travelling cowboy company are back (see "A Touch of Glass" and "The Yellow Peril" amongst others), and this comes complete with the usual great twist at the end. Hilariously, the man in the pet shop calls Grandad "Grandad", presumably so Mr Sullivan wouldn’t have to think up a proper name for him!