Duty Free (YTV 1984)

L-R - Neil Stacey, Joanna Van Gyseghem, Keith Barron and Gwen Taylor
L-R – Neil Stacey, Joanna Van Gyseghem, Keith Barron and Gwen Taylor

Incredibly popular in its day, Duty Free is a series that has aged pretty well. Yes, it’s predictable stuff, but the regulars (particularly Keith Barron and Gwen Taylor) are so good that they can, and do, lift the sometimes thin material.

The first series is by far the best, particularly once Amy (Taylor) discovers her husband, David (Barron) has been involved with Linda (Joanna Van Gyseghem).

Rather endearingly, David and Linda’s affair never seemed to have progressed beyond holding hands and the odd clinch. Like the Carry On films, frustration is the name of the game.

But after Amy learns the truth, Taylor has some wonderful scenes that have a little more depth than might have been expected. Gwen Taylor is the star player throughout the run, and never more so than here.

The second and third series tend to stretch the love triangle to breaking point, but they still have their moments.

Not ground-breaking then, but certainly an enjoyable watch.