It's never too late

Anita Dobson and Tracy-Ann Oberman play a mum and daughter confronting the complexities of ageing

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Anita Dobson and Tracy-Ann Oberman lead the revival of Play For Today with Never Too Late — and both are thrilled to bring the format back.

“It’s an iconic piece of TV history where people who wouldn’t get a leg up in the industry found a way in,” said Tracy-Ann. “I was young when it came out.” And Anita also loved it. “I hope it stays,” she said.

The fresh lineup from 5 starts with Never Too Late, starring Anita and Tracy-Ann as mother-daughter duo Cynthia and Amanda. “It's centred around 60 and 70-year-olds, a care home and a mother-daughter relationship”, said Tracy-Ann.

In the story, Cynthia reluctantly moves into a retirement village after a health scare, while Amanda pushes her to settle in and embrace the change. “It’s about what you do when you start to feel your mother is a burden and you're worried about her — but you almost take her life away by putting her in a retirement home,” said Tracy-Ann, 59.

But Cynthia has other plans. Determined to get herself kicked out, she teams up with fellow resident Mary to cause mischief. But, just as she prepares her grand escape, she bumps into her old rock-star flame Frank — played by Nigel Havers — sparking the possibility of a second chance.

“It was a great role because it’s funny and moving. It's also really important because there are a lot of older people facing that possible fate,” said Anita.