On the Up


On the Up is a British situation comedy written by Bob Larbey, about the failure of a millionaire's marriage, and his relationship with his assorted live-in staff. The programme was first broadcast on BBC1 between 1990 and 1992.

Plot summary

Tony Carpenter is a self-made millionaire who turned his South London minicab firm into a successful chauffeur-driven car service. He lives in a large detached mansion in Esher, surrounded by Rolls Royces and BMWs, with a domestic staff who respect him, and whom he adores; Witty and insolent butler/driver Sam, acerbic secretary Maggie and cook Mrs Wembley.
Despite all these advantages, Tony's life is full of conflict:
The third series ended with Tony looking set to enter a happy relationship with new love interest Jane Webster, a single mother from Stephanie's school, as well as romantic interests for all three staff, but also closes on a slight cliffhanger as it is displayed that Tony and Ruth still share feelings for each other.
A fourth series was initially planned, and was mentioned in in-house BBC literature for the Autumn 1993 season on BBC One, but never came to fruition.

Cast

Regular

The open titles are accompanied by the 1st movement of the Handel concerti grossi Op.6 No.11 in A major – a classical instrumental piece, played by the Guildhall String Ensemble. However, the closing credits are accompanied by Dennis Waterman's rendition of the series' custom theme tune. This continues a pattern from Minder and Stay Lucky, shows in which he also starred and sang the theme tune.

Reception

The series performed reasonably well, pulling in decent viewing figures and receiving generally good reaction from the public.

Release

DVD editions of the individual series, and as a Box Set, are available.

In popular culture

Mrs. Wembley's catch-phrase, "Just the One", in particular, became associated with the series and entered common British lexicon for a time.

Episodes

Series 1 (1990)

Series 2 (1991)

Series 3 (1992)