Hold the Back Page

Season 1

1985 · 10 episodes

Episodes

1. 1

   1. Away from Home

   12 Nov 1985

   A costly divorce has forced sports writer Ken Wordsworth to join a newspaper that pays more money. His first job is the FA Cup Semi Final, in Liverpool, but suddenly manager Ron Bishop has been given the dreaded vote of confidence

2. 2

   2. Grass Roots

   19 Nov 1985

   It's Wimbledon and Ken decides to expose the way elite tennis clubs block British talent. The paper decides to help Ben Smith, an outstanding black tennis player. When word gets out other newspapers join the race to sign him up.

3. 3

   3. Dark Horses

   26 Nov 1985

   Ken meet the newspaper's racing tipster 'The Brigadier'. Taking him to the Hartley Stables, he decides to buy a racehorse called Baloney. After it runs last at Kempton Park, Ken discovers that Baloney is part of a scam to win big.

4. 4

   4. Old Partners

   3 Dec 1985

   With memories of watching cricket as a child, Ken heads off to the Test match. When rain ends the days play, Ken meets his hero Doug Stout. He finds Stout's old opening partner Maurice Gibbons and discovers how he was left a broken man.

5. 5

   5. Two Tribes

   10 Dec 1985

   Ken has ghost written a book with former England Rugby Union star Bob Donnelly. With the book due to be published, he confesses that he is unemployed. Bob finds himself in hot water when his memoirs break RFU rules on receiving payments.

6. 6

   6. Running Feuds

   17 Dec 1985

   Ken decides to give up drink and take part in the London Marathon. The newspaper decides to show support and go dry. Rival journalist Steve Stevens is looking for a different angle so gets topless model Angie Phillips to represent them.

7. 7

   7. Jobs for the Girls

   7 Jan 1986

   The men of the press are out in force at the annual golf tournament. Sexism raises it's ugly head when professional golfer Laura Fox is playing. Laura is struggling to survive on the circuit so Ken attempts to raise cash for an interview.

8. 8

   8. Fathers, Sons and Lovers

   14 Jan 1986

   Ken is on assignment on the coast, where he is handing £10 to readers with a copy of the newspaper and the right words. He decides on Margate with his son where is father is taking part in the Under 60s bowls tournament.

9. 9

   9. Power Games

   21 Jan 1986

   Ken is sent to cover the Henley Regatta. He gets two interviews; rower Geoff Butcher, who is making money by selling himself and Deborah Simons, the owner's daughter. Ken is livid that his story is re-written and ponders his future.

10. 10

    10. Our Man on the Spot

    28 Jan 1986

    Ken gets a job on local radio and is heading to Zagreb to cover a European boxing title fight but he misses the flight and has to do his commentary in a London hotel. After messing up the last round he decides he to return to newspapers.