Back when it was called …
The show was originally going to be called Antony & Cleopatra. Go to this Post to read background information and updates during the early days before the show was renamed Last Tango in Halifax.
How we found out about the name change for the show
We have been sitting on this information for some time now, hoping that either the BBC or the production company would make a formal announcement before we go public with what we know. However, no formal announcement appears to be forthcoming, but we think its time we share with you all the information we have on the change of name for what used to be called “Antony & Cleopatra” to “Last Tango in Halifax”.
The new name for the show was first mentioned in this article which appeared in the Radio Times on 12 March 2012. The writer, Sally Wainwright, was being interviewed in connection with Series 2 of Scott & Bailey. In the article, Sally said,
… she’s baffled by the lack of meaty roles for mature women. “I’m aware of actresses who get to a certain age and say that there are few parts for them and I just don’t understand it. I’ve just written Last Tango in Halifax [for BBC1], which has two female characters in their late 40s and there’s just so much life about women of that age.”
We wouldn’t describe either Nicola or Sarah Lancaster, the other female lead, as women in their late 40s, but they are actresses and we suppose that means they can act in character of any age bracket.
Then came this article by Vicki Frost in the Guardian which appeared on 2 April 2012, again, as part of the publicity for Scott & Bailey series 2. In this article, Vicki made this remark :
Wainwright’s most recent project is Last Tango in Halifax, a six-part drama for BBC1 about four women – two in their 40s, and two in their 70s – which, combined with the success of Scott & Bailey and the BBC’s Call the Midwife, suggests that female-dominated dramas are having a moment.
So, this got curiouser and curiouser. The first press release for “Antony & Cleopatra” described the show as being about “love and second chances, set in the autumn years of two old school friends , both widowed and in their 70s, unexpectedly fall for each other when they meet again after nearly 50 years”. We know that Anne Reid is the female lead who is the one in her 70s. We have not heard of the casting of a second major female character who is also in her 70s. Of course, the show could be both about the older couple falling back in love as well as the trials and tribulations of the two women in their late 40s. If so, will that leave Nicola with enough scenes to make her participation in this project “interesting” to us fans?
Then there was this Blogger who made an entry on 14 April 2012 which contained this remark :
For all you fans of Scott & Bailey and At Home With The Braithwaites or infact Unforgiven we met up with scriptwriter Sally Wainwright and her friend on the set of her new project ‘Last Tango in Halifax,’ which will be on TV in September.
So, a possible air date in September 2012!
All this time, the CVs of a number of production crew have cropped up on the internet which mentioned that they had recently worked on a show called “Last Tango in Halifax” which matched the description of “Antony & Cleopatra” in terms of the writer, director and main cast involved. For months, cast member Tony Gardner has been dying to reveal, and has since revealed, the new name on Twitter. (We’ve never come across an actor who is so anxious to pull double duties, as both actor and publicist, for a show he is working on. Guess that makes him good value for the hire! :P)
Last but not least, there is this article in the 21 April 2012 edition of the Yorkshire Post Magazine, which gives quite a detailed account of the real life events on which the show is based, as well as an explanation from Sally Wainwright as to why the name change was felt necessary or desirable.
Will the new name stay? Who knows? We certainly hope so, as we’re working on a new left side panel for this fansite relating to Nicola’s credits and the new name of this show will be included. In the meantime, to catch up on all news, tweets and views which we previously collected and logged about the show formerly known as “Antony & Cleopatra”, plus an exclusive family chart which we prepared for this show, go to this Post.
Family Chart
Here is the updated family chart which we previously prepared for our post on Antony & Cleopatra. (Click on the image to see a larger pic.)
Order from Amazon UK
The Region 2 DVD is also Region 4 compatible.
For more updates and a link to the BBC media pack for this show, please turn to the next page.
When Gillian gets a mobile call from John (and maybe Caroline) the screen shows ”John mob”. What does ”mob” mean?
Hiya, Gillian”s last name is actually Greenwood as is Raff’s last name of course.
Gillian is still Alan’s daughter which makes her a Buttershaw. 🙂 Top marks to you for having spotted Raff’s dad’s last name 😀
Since she was married to Eddie, that would make her a Greenwood too surely.
In the Cast List, I have changed Gillian’s name to “Gillian Greenwood (nee Buttershaw)”. Hope you’re all happy now!
Did I read somewhere that ‘Ellen’ would have some of the Halifax cast on her show if so does anyone know when
The cast may well be invited to appear on The Ellen Show at some stage, but they’ll have to finish filming Series 2 first. In the meantime, could it be that you are referring to this interview on AfterEllen.com, a website inspired by Ellen DeGeneres but not related to her show?
that must be what I was thinking of thanks
Now that Foxtel are getting all the British shows & not the ABC, thank goodness we will still be ablt to buy the DVD’s & watch our favourite UK shows here in Australia
You can watch all the second series episodes for free on *****.
Carol
On this website, we do not encourage actions which infringe on the copyright of media companies. Your suggestion that others watch series 2 via some outlet on the internet for free will deprive cast and crew of their rightful income, which would be unfortunate because we firmly believe that good work ought to be rewarded. This is why we have censored your original comment.
Series 2 is available on DVD and selling for less than £10. Why not show your support for cast and crew by buying the DVD box set?!
Another fantastic show that only the Brits can do.
Right up there with best of them.
A great cast.
Just loved this series, and so glad we were able to watch it..with BBC selling out and getting ”ín bed with” FOXTEL, many of us will miss on on wonderful shows like this in Australia next year!
For the benefit of non-Aussie fans, “Foxtel” is a paid cable channel in Australia whereas the ABC is a free-to-air channel which performs a similar function to the BBC in the UK. Series 1 was aired on ABC. Series 2 will likely be aired via the BBC International channel available through a subscription to Foxtel.
I did fear such, thanks EDITOR for the info…we are going to miss out on a lot of shows.!
If they think it means more people are going to sign up to Foxtel or add to their already expensive package, they are mistaken. People are just going to buy the DVDs of the shows they want and forget about watching it on TV and also – inevitably – it will mean more illegal downloads of these shows. Stupid decision.
How was it that Nina Sosanya’s name (Kate) was left off the cast list at the end of the final episode? I’d have thought she at least warranted a mention.
I just finished watching the final ep on Aussie TV even though I have the series on DVD & can’t wait till we get series 2, I really hope they don’t make us wait till 2014
My wife and I have just watched the last episode of Last Tango in Halifax and loved it so much – we both sat there crying our eyes out!!! Such great actors/actresses and such wonderful characters – the British do it so very well!!! Will there be another series?
Yes, there will be a Series 4. Production work has just started and filming will begin in June 2013. Series 2 is covered in this Post.
Good news for Aussies – Last Tango in Halifax series 1 is finally being aired on TV here. Starts 7:30pm Saturday 30th March on ABC1, Hooray!
Best best best thing I’ve seen in a long long time. Best of British in every way. What writing and what a cast!!
Personally I hope they go for 6 episodes again in series 2, not 10, to keep it sharp. I can see there’s scope for a second series but think that stretching it out over 10 episodes could be a step too far!
Have just finished 2nd round of Last tango in Halifax and thought I should join in on all the praises to the writers, the cast and of course extra praises to Nicola. 2012 has been THE YEAR of Nicola & got a big hopes for 2013. Just when you think she cannot get better she proves you SO wrong! That’s what I really love about her.
When it comes to Last Tango, the last episode proved that i am not the only one with a “crazy family” …. PHEW! 😀 And for series 2 I cross fingers we get to see more Nicola in farming environment! Bring out the tractor!
Only the last episode? I think the whole series did that 😉
Nicola turned in a performance so realistic and skilled, that every plot line was believable and delivered with skill and passion. The brilliance of this drama was the combination of the writing, acting, location, photography, direction and the inevitable editing. My wife and I watched the six episodes over two days, laughing and crying intermittantly. How relieved we were, when as the last episode ended, we learnt that a second series has been commissioned. Congratulations and thanks to everyone concerned with Last Tango in Halifax, but particularly to Nicola.
I can’t remember when I have enjoyed a story more than “Last Tango In Paris”. The acting was truely outstanding, Worthy of every award out there. 5 stars for each of the actors. How proud they must be of their work.
Recently heard about this show, and got hooked right away! Great writing and acting! When can we expect series 2 to air?
They have to complete filming first, and word is they won’t even start filming till February or March 2013. We’ll log a Post here as soon as we find out more about Series 2. Glad you enjoyed Series 1 😀
Thanks for the info! Too bad I’ll have to wait that long though 😉
You’re welcome, all good things come to those who wait :P. I would be more interested in knowing whether Series 2 has only 6 episodes or if the BBC has recommissioned it for 10 episodes.
Hi Nicola – just wanted to say thank you to you and all the cast for brilliant performances in ‘Last Tango’. I haven’t enjoyed a drama so much for a long time – it was absolutely outstanding! The final episode last night was gripping and utterly convincing- I laughed and cried in equal measure. Thank you all so much – really looking forward to the next series! Merry Christmas to you all! Linda
Jusy want to say great acting Nicola and how sexy you make working under a Land Rover bonnet!!! Looking forward to a second series. Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year Mike x
It’s picked up the pace again so I’m looking forward to this evening’s closing episode – especially now the good-for-nothing Paul’s been cut down to size! Lots of humour and good acting across the board – but I’m starting to find Celia really annoying.
I think Last tango in Halifax is great! Sarah Lancashire as Caroline, Nicola Walker as Gillian but also Derek Jacobi and Anne Reid…The little details. I love it!
Episode 3 really rang a bell for me, at least the storyline about the often dysfunctional dynamics between children and parents. The car scene comes to mind. Nicola and Sarah Lancashire were brilliant in trying to cope with their unconventional love lives. There was also an inkling that not all is well in paradise for Celia and Alan.
This evening’s episode’s left me wondering if any more dysfunctionality could possibly be crammed into one episode… so saying it’s been strangely watchable so far, not sure about the ‘haunted house’ storyline though – far-fetched or what?
I enjoyed the first episode and found myself laughing a fair few times. I’m glad Nicola’s been cast in the ‘nicer’ family (much less snooty than the others!) and I thought Josh was great as Raff. I wonder how long Nicola had to work on the accent, it must be hard not to let that slip as an actor.
Interesting,
, is that what it’s all about..? It was very well done though so I suppose it will sell.
Joanna, I’ve put your comments in spoiler tags because episode 1 just aired in the UK last night, and there may be visitors to this fansite who have not yet watched this episode and do not want to know what happens in the story.