William and Mary

The British romantic dramedy series, first aired on ITV in 2003, follows the unconventional relationship between William Shawcross (Martin Clunes), a widowed undertaker with two daughters, and Mary Gilcrest (Julie Graham), a single midwife with two sons. Their meeting through a dating service leads to a series of events that test their compatibility and commitment. The narrative delves into their efforts to build a life together, navigating the complexities of their professions and personal responsibilities. William grapples with the demands of his funeral business and parenting, while Mary seeks to balance her career with raising her sons. Supporting characters, including Mary's mother Molly (Cheryl Campbell), her ex-husband Rick (Michael Begley), colleague Doris (Claire Hackett), and others, enrich the storyline with subplots and emotional depth. The series explores themes of love, family, loss, and hope, illustrating how two individuals from different walks of life can find common ground. Musical elements, such as William's involvement in a choir and band, add an emotional layer to the series. A total of three six-episode seasons were produced, airing from March 23, 2003, to May 22, 2005.