The Two of Us

5.8

1986•30m

The Two of Us is an ITV comedy series produced by London Weekend Television, and starring Nicholas Lyndhurst and Janet Dibley as Ashley Phillips and Elaine Walker, an unmarried couple living together, at a time when this was becoming increasingly common in Britain, but still considered slightly controversial in some circles. While Ashley was keen for the pair to get married and would regularly propose, Elaine saw no reason to get married and was happy to keep her independence. Ashley's roguish grandfather Perce (played by Patrick Troughton, but later by Tenniel Evans after Troughton's death) was supportive of the couple, but Ashley's domineering mother (Jennifer Piercey) disapproved and constantly urged the pair to marry. Ashley's suppressed father (Paul McDowell) seemed less upset, but generally backed up his wife in the hope of a quiet life and the odd sherry.

Production

Seasons

7 Episodes • Premiered 1986

1. Proposals

Ashley porposes to Elaine – yet again. Although the couple live together, Elaine is determined to hang on to her freedom.

2. Family Pressures

Although Ashley and Elaine live together, staying overnight at Ashley's parents always means seprate bedrooms. Ashley issues his mother an ultimatum: a double room, or no more visits. His mother, Mrs. Pearce maintains her principles in a very senaky way.

3. The Limit

Ashley and Elaine decide to put their relationship on the line and test it to the limit.

4. Cracks in the Pavement

Elaine is critical of Ashley's appearance and behaviour, so he decides to make a few changes.

5. Feeling Broody

Ashley is desparate to start a family. Not sharing his enthusiasm for babies, Elaine sures him of his madness by arranging for baby Lawrence to stay the weekend.

6. The Contract

Ashley and Elaine decide that an American-style cohabitation contract would free them from all the stupid, petty arguments that every couple has over mundane issues. What sounds good in theory threatens to turn into a disaster.

7. The End of the Beginning

The highly conventional Ashley still wants to marry the independent Elaine. Of course, the last thing Elaine wants is to settle down... but Ashley won't take no for an answer.