Desmond's was a British television situation comedy broadcast by Channel 4 from 1989 to 1994. With 71 episodes, Desmond's became Channel 4's longest-running sitcom. The first series was shot in 1988, with the first episode broadcast in January 1989. The show was made in and set in Peckham, London, England and featured a predominantly Black British Guyanese cast.
Conceived and co-written by Trix Worrell, and produced by Charlie Hanson and Humphrey Barclay, this series starred Norman Beaton as barber Desmond Ambrose. Desmond's shop was a gathering place for an assortment of local characters.
French Lessons (Episode 1)
Writer: Trix Worrell
Air date: 1989-01-05
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Desmond thinks Shirley is playing away when she begins to brag about her French teacher.
The Offer (Episode 2)
Writer: Trix Worrell
Air date: 1989-01-12
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Desmond considers selling the shop to retire in Guyana early, when a smooth-talking businessman enters the shop. Deciding to apply for a loan to do up the shop instead, Desmond visits the bank only to find his eldest son Michael is the one who'll make the decision.
Expansion Plans (Episode 3)
Writer: Trix Worrell
Air date: 1989-01-19
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Michael decides that the shop needs more employees and he introduces Tony, who gets the job as Desmond's assistant.
Hello Aunty Susu (Episode 4)
Writer: Trix Worrell
Air date: 1989-01-26
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Shirley's obnoxious older sister arrives but begins to annoy everyone when she takes without asking and does things how she wants in her sister's house.
A Surprise for Porkpie (Episode 5)
Writer: Trix Worrell
Air date: 1989-02-02
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Porkpie disappoints everyone when he doesn't celebrate Shirley's birthday, because he needs a TV licence.
Sad News (Episode 6)
Writer: Trix Worrell
Air date: 1989-02-09
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Gloria is going on a date with a gay politician, while Desmond and Shirley get news that their old friend and former band member of The Georgetown Dreamers, Sweetsticks, has died.
