Lytton's Diary

Synopsis

Lytton's Diary is a 1985–86 British comedy-drama programme created and written by Peter Bowles and Philip Broadley. Produced by Thames Television for ITV, it originated as a single play on the anthology programme Storyboard before expanding into two popular series, known for their mix of glamour, intrigue, and social commentary. Bowles stars as Neville Lytton, a suave and successful Fleet Street gossip columnist for the Daily News. Lytton navigates the world of high-society scandals, political corruption, and personal challenges, balancing his professional life with his love life and his ambition to write a novel.

First Air Date: 1985-01-09

Last Air Date: 1986-02-12

Number of Seasons: 2

Number of Episodes: 12

Created By: Philip Broadley, Peter Bowles

Networks: ITV1

View Technical Specifications on IMDb

Top Cast

Peter Bowles as Neville Lytton
Bernard Lloyd as Henry Field
Holly De Jong as Dolly
Adam Norton as David
Harriet Keevil as Jenny
Lewis Fiander as The Lawyer
Bernard Archard as The Editor
Anna Nygh as Laura Grey
Sylvester Williams as Wesley
Eve Pearce as Beryl

Seasons

Series 1 (1985)

No overview available for this season.

Episodes:

Ep. 1: Rabid Dingo: Shock Horror (1985-01-09)

The editor of The Daily News gossip column has retired, leaving Neville Lytton and his arch-rival Henry Field to compete for the vacancy. When Australian tycoon Wayne Monroe tries to buy the paper, Lytton sets about investigating his past.
Ep. 2: Daddy's Girls (1985-01-16)

Lytton, the new gossip diary editor of The Daily News, spends the day with his estranged wife, Catherine, and Laura Grey, his girlfriend, is less than pleased. Meanwhile, on the work front, Lytton investigates a merchant banker who disapproves of his daughter's relationship with a record producer, has something in his past that he's trying to hide.
Ep. 3: The Lady in the Mask (1985-01-23)

Lytton investigates the identity of a masked woman who strips at stage parties. Gambler Lucky Jim Diamond threatens to sue for defamation over an article Lytton has written.
Ep. 4: Tricks of the Trade (1985-01-30)

Lytton meets his old friend Hamil, who seems to be involved in a shady deal with an MP called Westaway. Soon, Lytton gets involved and falls victim to blackmail.
Ep. 5: The Silly Season (1985-02-06)

Margot Shelley, a fading film star, has just published her autobiography. However, Lytton is more interested in the memoirs of starlet Solveig Lindstrom.
Ep. 6: Come Uppance (1985-02-13)

Whilst visiting Catherine, Lytton is informed about strange goings-on at the home of Lord Rimmer. He uncovers a plot to create a right-wing political movement and exposes the story in his paper.