Kevin Whately has lifted the lid on the behind-the-scenes battle that nearly derailed one of British TV's greatest treasures – Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. The show's creator, Dick Clement, had to fight tooth and nail to get a second series made after ITV executives infamously dubbed it a "turkey" following its initial run in 1983. Whately, who played the lovable but hapless Neville Hope, recalled how he and his co-stars were initially viewed as "a complete rabble" by the powers that be – a perception based on their rough-around-the-edges behaviour off-screen.
First airing with modest expectations, Auf Wiedersehen, Pet quickly exploded onto our screens, charming audiences with its authentic portrayal of friendship and camaraderie. The show's roots were firmly planted in the North East, where Whately and his fellow cast members – including Timothy Spall and Tim Healy – were treated like "rock stars" by adoring fans.
But while this adoration was music to their ears, ITV's management had other ideas. According to Whately, a directive was issued to wrap up the show pronto – much to Clement's dismay. However, as we all know, ITV soon came crawling back when it became clear that Auf Wiedersehen, Pet was on to something special.
The show went on to rack up an astonishing 14 million viewers per episode within three weeks of its debut and received widespread critical acclaim. It's a testament to the power of this much-loved series that it has continued to capture hearts over the years – even earning the top spot in ITV's "greatest shows of all time" poll back in 2015, beating out stalwarts like Thunderbirds and Coronation Street.
Today, you can still get your fix of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet on ITVX – and Whately's own legacy as a national treasure remains cemented by his iconic turns in Inspector Morse and its spin-off Lewis.
So here's to the show that nearly didn't make it – a reminder of the magic that happens when talented writers, actors, and producers come together to create something truly special.