The series has been officially declared the world's longest-running television sitcom, airing continuously between Wednesday 4th January 1973 to Sunday 29th August 2010. Peter Sallis was the sole cast member to appear (as Norman Clegg) throughout the whole 31 seasons. He also appeared (as Clegg's father) in the spin-off prequel series First of the Summer Wine (1988).
Peter Sallis is the only cast member to appear in all 295 episodes of the series. In second place is Jane Freeman, who appeared in 274 episodes.
By 1976 it was clear that Michael Bates was ill. The cancer which was to eventually kill him meant the strenuous walking through the hills became impossible. He was written out of the series and his noticeable gap was filled by Brian Wilde, who had already become known as Mr. Barrowclough in Porridge (1974). Michael Bates did continue to appear in his other success, It Ain't Half Hot Mum (1974), but died soon after.
Holmfirth was chosen as the setting after Barry Took made a programme about Working Men's Clubs at nearby Burnlee WMC. When producer James Gilbert was looking for a location for an episode of Comedy Playhouse (1961), Took recommended Holmfirth. That episode was developed into the series.
In the original pilot episode, Compo asks after Mrs Batty's husband's pigeons and refers to him as Harold. By the time the series began his name was changed to Wally.