Top 5 Surprising Cast Secrets From Still Open All Hours

Here are some intriguing behind-the-scenes tidbits about "Still Open All Hours," the delightful British sitcom that continues the legacy of the beloved "Open All Hours." Let's delve into some surprising cast secrets from this cherished show. 🍰

🌟 Top 5 Surprising Cast Secrets From Still Open All Hours

🏪1. The Royal Connection

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Surprisingly, "Still Open All Hours" has a touch of royalty in its casting history. The show, famous for its light-hearted humor, once had a brief appearance from none other than Prince Charles, who was invited by the BBC to appear in a special episode in 2013. This episode showcased his comedic side and was a memorable event in the show's history.

• His royal cameo added a unique flair to the series, which is known for its down-to-earth humor, showing the wide appeal of the show.
• Note: The Prince was not a regular cast member but appeared to celebrate the show's enduring popularity.

🎥 2. From Supporting to Leading: The Rise of Granville

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David Jason, who played Granville in the original "Open All Hours," stepped into a more central role in "Still Open All Hours." Not only did he star, but he also became an executive producer, providing continuity and new directions for the series.

• This transition was a surprise to many fans, as Granville was initially the bumbling apprentice to Arkwright, played by Ronnie Barker.
• Note: Jason's involvement was crucial in ensuring the show's authenticity and humor remained intact.

🍎 3. The Grocery Store Set Secrets

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The set of "Still Open All Hours" has its own set of surprising secrets:

• The grocery shop, still named "Arkwright's," was not just a set but a functioning shop with rotating stock, which sometimes included real food that the crew would share.
• The shop was rebuilt from scratch to match the original, ensuring that every jar and tin was placed in its rightful location.

📅 4. The Quick Turnaround Filming Schedule

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Filming "Still Open All Hours" required a rather brisk pace:

• Episodes were filmed in rapid succession, often completing several in a week, which was a surprising feat given the comedic timing and accuracy needed for each scene.
• The cast had to memorize and perform complex routines, showcasing their talent and dedication to the craft.

💖 5. The Unseen Sibling Rivalry

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A lesser-known fact is that the characters Mavis and Vera, played by Stephanie Cole and Kathy Staff respectively, were actually related in real life:

• Despite their on-screen rivalry, Cole and Staff were good friends in real life, often sharing anecdotes and memories from their time on the show.
• This genuine camaraderie helped to enrich their performances, adding layers to their on-screen conflicts.

These secrets give fans a deeper appreciation of the craft and camaraderie behind "Still Open All Hours," making each viewing experience a blend of nostalgia and discovery. 📽️

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Was Prince Charles' role in "Still Open All Hours" planned from the beginning?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>No, his appearance was a special event organized by the BBC to showcase the broad appeal of the show.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Why was David Jason so involved with the show?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>David Jason's involvement was key to preserving the authenticity and humor of the series, leveraging his experience from the original "Open All Hours."</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Is the grocery shop set real?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While designed for the show, it functioned as a real shop with real, often consumable, stock.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>