Corrie spin-off, Pardon The Expression, first series on DVD : TV Scoop

You'd think that, with me writing about TV pretty much every single day of the last million years, I'd know loads about telly. Sometimes, something comes along and makes me feel like I've never seen a minute of it. You see, I had no idea that Coronation Street ever had a spin-off! What makes it even more baffling is that it starred the legendary Arthur Lowe! The show was called Pardon The Expression and is being reissued by Network on a 2-disc DVD. So what is the show all about? Well, read over and I'll tell you...

Pardon The Expression follows the mixed fortunes of former Weatherfield boutique owner Leonard Swindley (played by Lowe). In his new position as assistant manger at a Dobson and Hawks chain store, the punctilious but ambitious Mr. Swindley seizes every opportunity that might afford him the chance to scale the social heights - from organising strategic civic functions to securing lucrative new orders for the company.

Featuring scripts from an award-winning team that included Coronation Street contributors Harry Driver, Vince Powell, Geoffrey Lancashire and noted playwright Jack Rosenthal, the show helped to define the type of comic role for which BAFTA winner Arthur Lowe would be most fondly remembered: that of the pompous, quietly floundering buffoon. Betty Driver - soon to be installed behind the bar of the Rover's Return also stars as canteen manageress Mrs. Edgeley in this first series of the popular sitcom, originally screened in 1965.

The release is a PG and hits the shelves on the 4th May and should retail at £19.99. For your money you get 300 minutes (approx.) of Corrie-esque giggles and episodes including 'The Trouble With Ada', 'The Wedding', 'The Pensioner', 'The Little Boy Lost' and 'The Brain Drain'. Sounds great!