Only When I Laugh is an ITV1 sitcom broadcast from 29 October 1979 to 16 December 1982 for four series with seven episodes each, and a Christmas special in 1981. The title is the answer to the question, "Does it hurt?" A naïve middle-class man is admitted to an NHS hospital ward, shared with a working-class layabout and an upper-class hypochondriac. The trio never fail to cause a nuisance for the poor, unsuspecting staff.
Only When I Laugh (Season 2)
Whatever Happened to Gloria Robins? (Episode 1)
Writer: Eric Chappell
Air date: 1980-04-29
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Glover is thrilled when glamourous starlet Gloria Robins is admitted to a woman's ward and is before long romancing her with flowers. Characteristically, Figgis is cynical but even he falls under her spell – as do Norman and Thorpe.
Where There's a Will (Episode 2)
Writer: Eric Chappell
Air date: 1980-05-06
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Glover does not take kindly to eccentric new patient Joe Perkins – with his invisible dog – due to his lack of hygiene and use of Glover's drinking tumbler for his false teeth. However, when he discovers that Joe's tin box contains a fortune and the man is considering changing his will, Glover – and Norman – both fawn on him to get into his good books.
It Can Damage Your Health (Episode 3)
Writer: Eric Chappell
Air date: 1980-05-13
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Norman has recently taken up smoking but long-term smokers Glover and Figgis are feeling the ill-effects of the habit and try, respectively, a pipe and yoga to help quit – but in vain.
The Cosmic Influence (Episode 4)
Writer: Eric Chappell
Air date: 1980-05-20
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: When Figgis becomes obsessed with tabloid astrology, the others are sceptical — that is, until Norman's luck at cards takes an upturn. However, Figgis becomes so preoccupied with predictions, he becomes convinced that his death is imminent, forcing Thorpe to beat him at his own game to cure him.
The Visitors (Episode 5)
Writer: Eric Chappell
Air date: 1980-05-27
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Norman's overbearing, hypochondriac mother comes to visit and he's initially scared to tell her he is romancing Nurse Jenny. Norman's cowardice gives Glover the opportunity to try and make a move but Figgis puts him off with lies, enabling the young couple to eventually stand up to Mrs Binns.
The Lost Sheep (Episode 6)
Writer: Eric Chappell
Air date: 1980-06-03
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: When the vicar comes to discuss Norman and Jenny's impending nuptials, agnostic Figgis gets into a religious argument but ultimately fears for his soul as he has not been christened.
Last Tango (Episode 7)
Writer: Eric Chappell
Air date: 1980-06-10
Runtime: 30 min
Overview: Feeling wistful that they're unable to attend the staff dance with its majority of females, the patients decide to have a party of their own, inviting Nurse Eileen. Needless to say Figgis and Glover – and Thorpe – vie with each other to impress her with their moves.
Seasons
Episodes 7
Episodes 7
Episodes 8
Episodes 7