Last Tango in Halifax, new series.

'a big girl' What a disgusting phrase. Why on earth would an actress as talented as Sarah Lancashire and a writer as clever as Sally Wainwright agree to a story line whereby Caroline loses weight to snare a partner. Actually, this attitude absolutely stinks.

So disappointed. Like others I was over the moon when I heard it was coming back and enjoyed it until the last episode which I thought was rather silly and disappointing and a bit 'samey'. Not sure I will bother with it any more, really, really, disappointed. All that aside there is no arguing with the quality of the acting, although agree that Gillian's character could do with a makeover. Happy watching to those of you who are enjoying it.

Disappointed with this series, the giraffe episode is rather silly, I mean who or how would someone be able to get up there in the middle of the night in the dark(which I presume is when it was done) and not be noticed/heard. I mean it wasn't a little painting was it at ground level..I'm sure I would have heard something!

I think there are only 4 episodes, will prob carry on watching (only as there's nothing else on).

Sally Wainwright is a very good writer with a great understanding of everyday life. It would be most unrealistic for characters to to remain looking exactly the same for decades. People, women, do put on weight. I know I look very different from how I used to when I was younger. It's common to be told to smarten up and lose weight. annsixty has spotted something in the trailer that could be relevant. Will just have to watch and wait.

Greymar I don't recall saying that Caroline would lose weight to ensnare a partner.
I was thinking that maybe she had "let things slide" after losing a loved partner and having so many things going on in her life.
Some of us are unlucky enough to have been there and have needed a wake up call.

Crossed posts Jane

I think some of the weight might be padding and the first thing I noticed about Caroline in the first episode was her dowdy look compared to how smart she was before they moved. There has to be an explanation so annsixty could be right.

I believe the phrase 'slimming herself down' was used along with 'smartening herself up'. I think the shape of the actress has changed.

Yes Greymar, I did indeed use those phrases, time will tell who is right.

I don't care. I don't think it helps anybody when women judge other women in an unhealthy way. On a personal note, I have suffered at least 50 years of being bullied and belittled by people who should have cared for me. Weight was one of their favourite go to places to cause hurt.

I didn't think Caroline made any sexual overtures at all and the younger teacher completely over reacted.

yes- and we will probably find out why very soon- there is a reason, I am sure.

I do agree Greymar, women are each other's worse critics. I think Caroline aka Sarah, is an attractive 55 yr old woman. I don't think she looks any scruffier in "woollies" than in a "neat suit", and I hope she doesn't change her image.
She is a great role model for mature women, there are few enough good acting parts for women over the age of 30 as it is.
The younger teacher seemed to be drinking plenty without encouragement from Caroline and her reaction to finding out Caroline's history was just weird. You are probably right jura, all will be revealed.

It's interesting because Lu Corfield used to be larger and is now on the thin side. That is not meant to be judgemental, merely an observation.

I rather liked Carolines's sloppy jumper.
Perhaps I am naturally scruffy!

Who is Lu Corfield Callistemon?

She is the actress new to the series who is playing the teacher, Ruth.

Thanks Callistemon.

That brings up a different tack. Years ago, when the cast of a show came up at the end, you seemed to have time to read who played who. Now it’s either gone before you have time, or there’s an irritating voiceover and trailer for another programme which obliterates the names.
?

I agree FlexibleFriend a complete over reaction on the part of the English teacher.

Even if you disagree that there were overtures from Caroline, I think it’s still crossing professional boundaries for a headteacher to invite a junior colleague to dinner at her own home, without anyone else present, and then provide so much alcohol that the colleague has to stay the night.
Dinner on neutral ground, perhaps.
Inviting a group of colleagues to your house, ok.
But not a single colleague at your own home.
And Caroline’s son certainly thought his mother intended to take the relationship further than a professional one - he sent a text to John along the lines of ‘Ma HAS got someone new’ or something similar.

Oh come on janeainsworth! The colleague is over 21y after all. She wasn’t pressurised into anything. She herself said ‘if I get a taxi I can share the wine’.

But they aren't friends Ug. Caroline is in a position of power & authority over Ruth. That's the difference.

I'd be interested to hear comments from teachers or former teachers - would you feel comfortable in Ruth's position, or would you have acted as Caroline did?

I don’t understand why Ruth made such a song and dance at the point when she realised Caroline was gay. Portrayed as two intelligent women Ruth could have simply said, “I’m not gay”.

I can’t agree Caroline is a great role model for women of any age, purely from a health point of view. Being so overweight is putting her health at risk, far from being someone to emulate.

putting her health at risk. She doesn't look that overweight. Many women put on some weight after the menopause. Perhaps the excessive drinking portrayed would be more of a health risk .