Shelley (Season 1)

James Shelley, an educated, sardonic, permanently unemployed "professional freelance layabout," has many battles with authority, the tax-man, his landlady, and his girlfriend Fran.

  • Poster for Moving In

    Moving In (Episode 1)

    Writer: Peter Tilbury

    Air date: 1979-07-12

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Shelley and his girlfriend Fran are looking for accomadation. After viewing unsuitable properties, they find a room at Mrs Hawkins' house.

  • Poster for The Nelson Touch

    The Nelson Touch (Episode 2)

    Writer: Peter Tilbury

    Air date: 1979-07-19

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Shelley isn't impressed when his local pub is destined for a kitsch makeover. He gets yet more grief at the Labour Exchange, who seem determined to put an end to his cushy lifestyle and endless payouts. Meanwhile, Fran has some news that may make him finally want to change his layabout ways.

  • Poster for Gainfully Employed

    Gainfully Employed (Episode 3)

    Writer: Peter Tilbury

    Air date: 1979-07-26

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Following a drunken evening stint as Nelson at the Victory pub, Shelley wakes up in the morning next to a strange woman. He has some serious explaining to do, not to mention waking up to the reality of finding some permanent gainful employment.

  • Poster for The Distaff Side

    The Distaff Side (Episode 4)

    Writer: Peter Tilbury

    Air date: 1979-08-02

    Runtime: 30 min

    Overview: Shelley has finally completed his week doing a 'proper' job at an advertising agency, but is a bit shocked when he sees how much tax is deducted from his first pay packet. Could it be that proposing marriage to Fran will lessen his financial burdens and provide much-needed tax relief?

  • Poster for Elders and Betters

    Elders and Betters (Episode 5)

    Air date: 1980-04-17

    Overview: Visiting a health shop, Shelley is appalled at the high prices of some of the items. The moment he and Fran have long dreaded has arrived. Travelling by train, they arrive at the country home/farm of Gordon Smith, Fran's rich Dad.

  • Poster for May the Best Man Win

    May the Best Man Win (Episode 6)

    Air date: 1980-04-24

    Overview: Shelley is reunited with his oldest friend, Ned, whom he asks to be best man at his forthcoming wedding. Ned, unfortunately, is a 'Jack The Lad' type who loves to drink, smoke, and make love.

  • Poster for Nowt So Queer

    Nowt So Queer (Episode 7)

    Air date: 1980-05-01

    Overview: Shelley's attempts to prepare a dinner party meet with continual interruptions. A Jehovah's Witness is at the door and won't go away, plus the neighbour thinks Mrs H is on the game.

Shelley

Seasons