TV series

Lytton's Diary

Name: Lytton's Diary
Released: 1985
Cast: Peter Bowles, Bernard Lloyd, Holly De Jong, Adam Norton, Harriet Keevil

1985–1986· 2 seasons· 30 min episodes★ 7.3Ended

On ITV1 — From Thames Television

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Synopsis

Lytton's Diary is a 1985–86 British comedy-drama programme created and written by Peter Bowles and Philip Broadley. Produced by Thames Television for ITV, it originated as a single play on the anthology programme Storyboard before expanding into two popular series, known for their mix of glamour, intrigue, and social commentary. Bowles stars as Neville Lytton, a suave and successful Fleet Street gossip columnist for the Daily News. Lytton navigates the world of high-society scandals, political corruption, and personal challenges, balancing his professional life with his love life and his ambition to write a novel.

Themes

based on play or musical social commentary gossip columnist glamour magazine

Episodes

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E1 Rabid Dingo: Shock HorrorNext upJan 9, 1985 · 30 min
Synopsis
The editor of The Daily News gossip column has retired, leaving Neville Lytton and his arch-rival Henry Field to compete for the vacancy. When Australian tycoon Wayne Monroe tries to buy the paper, Lytton sets about investigating his past.
Guest stars: Peter Ellis (Deputy Editor Charles), Daniel Moynihan (Bill Withy), Michael McKevitt (Sports Editor), Michael Fleming (City Editor), Olivier Pierre (Nathan Gebler), Gwen Taylor (Angela Monroe), Brian McDermott (Bruce Morley), Patrick Marley (Sally the Sistine)
E2 Daddy's GirlsJan 16, 1985 · 30 min
Synopsis
Lytton, the new gossip diary editor of The Daily News, spends the day with his estranged wife, Catherine, and Laura Grey, his girlfriend, is less than pleased. Meanwhile, on the work front, Lytton investigates a merchant banker who disapproves of his daughter's relationship with a record producer, has something in his past that he's trying to hide.
Guest stars: Lewis Fiander (The Lawyer), Fiona Mollison (Catherine Lytton), Jane Laurie (Pandora), Nigel Nevinson (Photographer), Norman Bird (Charles Adams), James Cosmo (Harry Owen), Edward Hardwicke (Guy Phillips), Dominique Barnes (Belinda Phillips)
E3 The Lady in the MaskJan 23, 1985 · 30 min
Synopsis
Lytton investigates the identity of a masked woman who strips at stage parties. Gambler Lucky Jim Diamond threatens to sue for defamation over an article Lytton has written.
Guest stars: Lewis Fiander (The Lawyer), Jane Laurie (Pandora), Daniel Moynihan (Bill Withy), Pamela Salem (Isabelle de Montfort), Jeremy Sinden (Porky Fox), Sarah Finch (Jane Fox), Alan Lake (Luigi), Caryl Casson (Toni)
E4 Tricks of the TradeJan 30, 1985 · 30 min
Synopsis
Lytton meets his old friend Hamil, who seems to be involved in a shady deal with an MP called Westaway. Soon, Lytton gets involved and falls victim to blackmail.
Guest stars: Lewis Fiander (The Lawyer), Jane Laurie (Pandora), Peter Ellis (Deputy Editor Charles), Nigel Nevinson (Photographer), Julian Curry (Tim Beauchamp), Mel Martin (Stella), Nadim Sawalha (Hamil), John Bird (Jacko)
E5 The Silly SeasonFeb 6, 1985 · 30 min
Synopsis
Margot Shelley, a fading film star, has just published her autobiography. However, Lytton is more interested in the memoirs of starlet Solveig Lindstrom.
Guest stars: Lewis Fiander (The Lawyer), Jane Laurie (Pandora), Peter Ellis (Deputy Editor Charles), Daniel Moynihan (Bill Withy), Michael McKevitt (Sports Editor), Michael Fleming (City Editor), Olivier Pierre (Nathan Gebler), Jean Kent (Margot Shelley)
E6 Come UppanceFeb 13, 1985 · 30 min
Synopsis
Whilst visiting Catherine, Lytton is informed about strange goings-on at the home of Lord Rimmer. He uncovers a plot to create a right-wing political movement and exposes the story in his paper.
Guest stars: Lewis Fiander (The Lawyer), Fiona Mollison (Catherine Lytton), Jane Laurie (Pandora), Peter Ellis (Deputy Editor Charles), Nigel Nevinson (Photographer), Christopher Strauli (Lord Henry Rimmer), Maurice Roëves (Maxim), Peter Silverleaf (Terry)