Richard Briers (Hector) wanted out because he found that four/five months filming in the comparative wilds of Scotland too much for him now that he is over 70. He is also one of our more respected actors and is in constant demand for film, TV and stage roles in London.

Susan Hampshire (Molly) is also based in London and has been reported several times as saying that she does not like being isolated from London for such long periods. There was a rumour going the rounds a year or so ago that she was leaving the series because of this, but she has stuck it out. She is rather younger than Richard Briers - maybe that's why.

The stories of Sir Compton MacKenzie, upon which the programme was based, ran out quite early on, and writers were brought in to extend the tales of Glenboggle several series ago.

The series currently awaiting transmission here in the UK will be the final series.

I agree, the programmes are not what they were but they are still eminently watchable. No bad language, no violence, no (visible) sex scenes, gorgeous scenery and good acting - perfect Sunday evening viewing!