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Retirement Home Rebels Defy Rules, Rekindle Old Flame
14 Nov
Summary
- Cynthia Jackson shocks daughter at friend's funeral
- Cynthia finds rebellious ally in fellow resident Mary
- Cynthia's long-ago fling Frank Davies lives next door

In November 2025, the BBC's drama strand has inspired a new series of standalone stories on Channel 5, showcasing up-and-coming talent. The opening play focuses on Cynthia Jackson (Anita Dobson), who shocks her daughter Amanda (Tracy-Ann Oberman) at her best friend Marjorie's funeral by refusing to play the frail widow.
When Cynthia collapses, Amanda insists she move into the Cedar Wood Retirement Village for her safety. Cynthia bristles at the village's rules, but quickly finds a rebellious ally in fellow resident Mary (Natasha Williams). That's before Cynthia discovers that Frank Davies (Nigel Havers), a charismatic former singer and her long-ago fling, lives next door - and there's unfinished business between the two.
The series is a reminder that life in a retirement home can be full of surprises and excitement, even in one's golden years.




