Last of the Summer Wine Creator Reflects on Changing TV Landscape as He Receives Knighthood
Sir Roy Clarke, the acclaimed comedy writer behind the beloved BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine, has suggested that his iconic show would not be commissioned in today's television environment. The 96-year-old made these remarks as he received his knighthood from the Prince of Wales during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on Tuesday.
A Different World for Television
Speaking to the Press Association, Sir Roy reflected on the evolution of the entertainment industry. "It's a different world now, and I'm very glad my time was in the world I knew," he stated. "I don't know how far I would get now, the show probably wouldn't be made these days." The writer, who was awarded the Honour of Knighthood in the 2026 New Year Honours list for his services to entertainment, emphasized how television commissioning has transformed since his heyday.
Writing Process and Personal Connections
Sir Roy, who penned an impressive 295 episodes of the long-running sitcom, shared insights into his creative process. He cited the episodes surrounding Compo's funeral as his personal favourites, explaining that the intense time pressure contributed to their strength. "I had to do the three episodes in not much more than a weekend and I've never worked at that pace before," he recalled. "In a funny way, I think that gave them more strength."
The veteran writer also revealed that the character Clegg served as his personal mouthpiece throughout the series. "He used to get all the best lines and he was my mouthpiece in many ways," Sir Roy explained. "He used to say the things I would say and the things that I believed." This personal connection to his characters helped shape the unique charm of the show that ran for 37 years.
Philosophy on Work-Life Balance
Beyond his writing achievements, Sir Roy shared his philosophy on maintaining a healthy balance between work and leisure. "I think leisure is an important element of anybody's career," he advised. "If you work like a dog all the time, especially if you're writing, the results are going to be dismal." This approach to creative work contributed to his enduring success in the entertainment industry.
The writer expressed particular delight that the Prince of Wales had enjoyed his sitcom work, leaving him feeling "taller than I did yesterday" after their conversation at the investiture ceremony.
Other Honourees at Windsor Castle
The ceremony also recognized other notable figures for their contributions to British society. Welsh rugby star Jonathan Davies was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to people with cancer and broadcasting. Nicknamed "Jiffy," Davies, who earned 37 caps for Wales, spoke with Prince William about the team's recent Six Nations victory against Italy, their first in three years.
Davies acknowledged the challenges facing Welsh rugby, stating: "It has been tough for Wales on and off the field, with uncertainty around regions and finances. Hopefully, things can be resolved and the win will give them momentum and give all the future Welsh players the best opportunity to perform at an international level." The pundit now dedicates his efforts to fundraising for cancer charities in Wales, following the deaths of his wife, Karen, and father, Ken, from different cancers.
AI Entrepreneur Receives MBE with Warning
Another recipient at the investiture was Jonathan Piers Linney, who received a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his contributions to small business, entrepreneurs, investors, banking, diversity, and social mobility. The former Dragons' Den star, now an artificial intelligence start-up boss, discussed the pros and cons of AI with the Prince of Wales.
Mr Linney issued a stark warning about the future of artificial intelligence. "AI is an arms race. Whether AI becomes sentient or conscious is where it becomes more dangerous," he cautioned. "With super intelligence, we're not going to understand how it works and we won't be able to keep it in a box."
He emphasized the importance of ethical considerations and international cooperation, concluding: "It's going to get out and that is why ethics and international alignments are the most important things. It will be as if an alien species lands on this planet in 10 years, maximum." The entrepreneur ruled out a return to Dragons' Den in the near future as he focuses on his AI ventures.
The investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle brought together individuals from diverse fields, all recognized for their significant contributions to British society and culture, with Sir Roy Clarke's reflections on television's changing landscape providing particular insight into how entertainment has evolved over the decades.
