@secretarmypod.bsky.social Finally catching up on my podcasts and glad to hear in the Series 2, Episode 8 podcast that my impression of NJ is still going strong :)

The actor Michael Byrne, who played Paul Vercors in series 2, has passed away in his 80s. (Thanks to Greg for bringing it my attention.) www.theguardian.com/stage/2026/j...

Hazel McBride, who played Madeline, attended an Only Fools and Horses convention last month. Folks may remember that she was in the iconic scene where Del Boy falls through the bar!! She’s the woman on the right hand side. Source: www.delboysonlineshop.com/only-fools-a...

This hot weather is crazy. It’s 10:30pm. It’s 31 degrees inside. So I went to sit on my front doorstep for a while to cool down. But I can’t because here in Manchester it’s still 30 degrees outside!!

And S2E13 marks the last for the fabulous, wonderful Michael Culver. What an actor and what a beautiful few last scenes. 👏 I love Terrence Hardiman in Secret Army - but I miss Brandt in series 3 too!

Andy & I were very impressed that Albert could tell exactly what building was being attacked just by listening in S2E13, Day of Wrath. The guy has got good hearing! 😂

Happy new episode day! 🥂🍾 This time Andy and AJ take a look at S2E13, Day of Wrath…and reach the end of series 2! Wahooo! We did it! Listen whoever you get your podcasts (Apple podcasts, Spotify, etc.) or follow the link below: secretarmypod.podbean.com/e/series-2-e...

Very sad to read that the legendary Anthony Stewart Head has passed today. While he will be remembered for roles in TV shows such as Buffy, he also played Hanslick in Secret Army in S3E4 A Safe Place. Anthony, you will be very missed.

On Wednesday, @andypodding.bsky.social & I will be recording our series 2 review episode! So please tell us your favourite: * Episodes * Scene or moments * Guest Stars! And we’ll read them out on the show! You’re also welcome to submit your overall thoughts on the series. Thank you!

What do other people think? I offered no solution for hiding Max’s body!

Had the honour of interviewing Tony Virgo today, who worked on some episodes of series 1 and 2 of Secret Army as Production Assistant. A huge thank you to Tony for his time, as well as the blog ‘Guinness is Smiley’ (about Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy) for putting us in touch!

Happy new episode day! 🥂 This time Andy & AJ discuss everything to do with S2E12 (Prisoner of War), bid farewell to Max, and one of us spills tea on their laptop! 😅 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Podbean etc. Or use the link below! secretarmypod.podbean.com/e/series-2-e... #SecretArmy

New episode tomorrow!

It's a great series finale: Alain gets more to do than deliver veg, reinforcing my view that he is more important to Lifeline than his role is sometimes thought; sad to see the end of Brandt but shows, in an odd way, how much Kessler likes and respect him; and plenty of action, all captured on CCTV!

Time to share your views on S2E13, Day of Wrath! Please reply by Fri 15th May so we can read them out on the show! In this episode…De Beers’ brother is killed, so De Beers kills Germans in revenge. Alain, Natalie, & Monique take him down the line against Albert’s wishes. 1/2

Had a wonderful time yesterday meeting @njimrie.bsky.social and looking around IWM North together. I enjoyed the LGBT+ digital trail that had been added to the main exhibition space after I was a volunteer there. We were at the museum for around 4-5 hours! 😂 Safe travels home today, Nicky!

OTD 1908: Valentine Dyall Prolific film, TV and radio actor with a deep, *magnificent* voice The Black Guardian in Doctor Who (relatedly, God in Bedazzled) Dr Keldermans in Secret Army Horror host The Man in Black And outstanding in The HitchHiker’s Guide To the Galaxy…

Watching Fortunes of War for the first time!

Did you know our very own Dr Keldermans was in the 1945 classic, Brief Encounter?! Valentine Dyall played Stephen, a friend of Alec who unexpectedly returns to his own flat, where Alec had brought Laura as a place for them be alone in private. He’s rather good, isn’t he?

In December 1975, a BBC show called ‘Women: Which Way Now?’ held a discussion about the new Equal Pay Act and Sex Discrimination Act and what that will mean for gender equality. Richard Stilgoe & Angela Richards provided songs & skits for the occasion: #angelarichards

Happy new episode day! 🥂 This time we look at S2E11 of Secret Army, A Matter of Life and Death. Written by Robert Barr, directed by Roger Jenkins. Listen wherever you get your podcasts (Apple podcasts, Spotify etc) or by using the link below! secretarmypod.podbean.com/e/series-2-e...

Boy, can Angela Richards hold a close up. She always commands your full attention and looks STUNNING. (Even in shadow!) #angelaricharda #secretarmy

This week we’re editing S2E12, Prisoner of War. (Ready for release in May.) What are your thoughts on this ep? Let us know by Friday and we’ll read them out on the podcast! Thanks! In this action packed episode, Monique & Brandt kiss and it’s the end of the line for our dear forger Max…

🚨New podcast ep this Sat! Andy & AJ will take a look at S2E11, A Matter of Life and Death. We talk about things like the death of Francois, how we want Victor the baker to be our uncle, and whether Max did intend on betraying Lifeline in the end. Or did circumstances force him to act? 🧐

Celebrating a big milestone today. A huge thank you all of our wonderful listeners, old and new! Thank you for coming down the line with us. Our podcast would be nothing without you! 🫶

Realised something amazing after rewatching S2E13, Day of Wrath. Series 2 starts and ends with scenes of Albert & Monique and rings! In The Hostage he gives her a (not engagement!) ring. In Day of Wrath he takes off his wedding ring! A great bookend to the series. Genius!

Rewatched the S2 finale (Day of Wrath) over the weekend and wow, blown away all over again. In this clip: Love the staging of the scene in Kessler’s office (like a painting!) and the zoom of the camera. Fantastic writing and performances too of course! #secretarmy #cliffordrose #michaelculver

Doctor Who fans at Easter:

Happy Easter weekend, everybody! 🐣 In this clip from the series 1 episode Good Friday, Lifeline get ready for church and find out some touching news. #SecretArmy #BernardHepton #ChristopherNeame #JanFrancis

To accompany our episode on S2E10, Guests at God’s Table, we have a special interview with Keith Jayne and Rachel Beasley! Keith played Wym and Rachel played Marie-Claire. It was fascinating to chat about their experiences as child actors in 70s/80s. secretarmypod.podbean.com/e/interview-...

I would not be surprised if Noah’s ark floated past the window it’s raining that hard in Manchester today. And I have the attic bedroom!

Happy birthday to Lifeline’s forger, Max! Looks like he had a nasty fall last year but glad to see him doing better now. Always great to have an annual birthday photo from his wife, Jan Harvey. Sending best wishes to the two of them!

Very exciting week for Doctor Who fans with a new Blu Ray release. I gleefully collected my copy from HMV today but then found another copy had been posted through the letterbox when I got home..? I was so excited that I had accidentally bought it twice.

And Jacques Bol!

Always think of @andypodding.bsky.social whenever I see mention of this…

Had a very fun night introducing Whose Line Is It Anyway to the 14 year old. So happy she likes it! (Although I had to explain nearly all of the references. 😅)

A famously ‘terrible’ series that according to Clifford was largely sunk by Terry Wogan’s biting reviews. I’ve seen bits and was not impressed. Clifford hoped it might help him build on his success in Secret Army but it was not to be. Still, it kept him busy before Kessler’s return.

At the moment I’m working my way through Foyle’s War for the first time - and loving it! Have reached series 5 and the Leo meme perfectly shows my reaction when I spotted Clifford Rose in the first episode! And a picture of the man himself playing another man of the cloth, Bishop Francis Wood.

His mission has always been to betray them but he seems to genuinely rate the Lifeline regulars (and doesn't seem to have a high opinion of his communist allies). It's the complexity that means, like Albert and Kessler, we can't see him as a 'goody' or 'baddy' - exactly why Secret Army is so good

Never really understood what Natalie saw in Francois - he is a pretty insipid and undeveloped character and I am a little surprised he was allowed to be so active within Lifeline. Max on the other hand seems to go through a real crisis - a bit like Brutus in Julius Caesar but in reverse

And that ending!!!

Have you listened to our most recent episode yet, about S2E10 Guest’s at God’s Table? This is the Christmasy one with the orphan children! Use the link below or listen whenever you get your podcasts such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Podbean etc! secretarmypod.podbean.com/e/series-2-e...

Please tell us your thoughts on S2E11, A Matter of Life and Death, by Sat 28th Feb and we’ll read it out on the show! Thanks! Story: Francois ignores advice and attempts to co-ordinate several sets of airmen by himself - with tragic results. There are communists. And Duncan Lamont guest stars!

A clip from Little Old Lady, the episode of #SecretArmy we’ve just covered on the pod! Monique accompanies Madeleine home and a friendship begins. Brilliant performances from #HazelMcBride and #AngelaRichards. 👏 Do you toast to the past or the future? 🥂

Went on a lovely winter walk today. Did not encounter any downed airmen.

Valentine’s Day tomorrow, don’t forget to pick up some Toblerone for your loved one(s)! 😂 #secretarmy

Last week AJ was fortunate enough to interview Mr John Curtis himself, Christopher Neame! Huge thank you to Craig for helping me with a test call to America, and everyone else who offered to help too. You were all amazing. The interview will be released later this year.

Hey everyone, how are you all doing this week? What are you up to? Today I’m editing February’s episode, Guests at God’s Table!

Lovely listeners, I need some help! An actor has kindly agreed to be interviewed but only has a landline. Can anyone with a landline do a practice call with me for 5 mins so I can test my recording software? My friends only have mobiles! I will call you, so no cost. Thanks! 🙏🏽

Next ep - S2E9 Little Old Lady- is out this Saturday! Written by David Crane & directed by Terrence Dudley. We discuss the writing, direction, performances, scenes in the script that didn’t make it onto screen, and this brilliant moment where Natalie takes Max’s beer! 😂