The former Beatle met fans of the show before signing autographs and posing for pictures
Paul McCartney with admirers outside the Boswell home on the set of BBC’s Bread on July 4, 1988(Image: Mirrorpix)
Paul McCartney has returned to his home city through the years for numerous appearances and projects – but on one particularly visit to Liverpool, he had to keep a “closely guarded secret.” In more recent years, the former Beatle has been spotted back in his hometown for a graduation ceremony at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA), to perform at the Philharmonic pub and more.
But back in the 1980s, many will remember when Sir Paul made a rare television appearance on BBC sitcom Bread, alongside his late wife, Linda. Loved by millions since it first aired in 1986, Bread was a massive hit, reaching 21 million viewers at its peak.
Written by Carla Lane, the series followed the lives of the the close knit families from Dingle and filmed on the steep Victorian terraced Bread streets, which went on to become some of the most well known streets in Liverpool. Among them was Elswick Street, which the ECHO recently visited – and residents living on the street told us how the sitcom life isn’t too far from the truth.
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Now nearly 40 years on from when Bread first aired, we’ve delved into the archives to uncover a number of behind the scenes photos from the set of the hit BBC series. Courtesy of our archive, Mirrorpix, we also found a number of photos, unseen for years, of Paul and Linda on set 36-years-ago.
At the time, the ECHO reported how the famous couple spent two days filming in the city on a “top secret” visit, to appear in an extra-special episode of the Scouse sitcom. The BBC was believed to have launched a £1,500 security operation to keep the McCartney’s away from curious star-spotters and the scenes filmed followed Linda setting up an animal rescue centre in Liverpool and meeting the Boswell family.
Paul McCartney and Carla Lane with cast members outside the Boswell home on July 4, 1988(Image: Mirrorpix)
On July 2, 1988, the ECHO reported: “Due to be screened in the autumn, the episode has been specially written for the pair by series creator Carla Lane, a close friend of the McCartney’s. Carla invited her pals to join the series over a cup of tea in London.
“Why not do it for a laugh?’ she asked. Paul is a big fan of the smash hit series and did not need asking twice.”
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It was the first time Paul had taken on an acting role since his film, Give My Regards To Broad Street. On the visit, Paul and Linda were believed to have visited the then recently opened Tate Gallery at the Albert Dock.
During filming, ECHO photographer Frank Loughlin was behind the scenes to capture the McCartneys on the BBC set. Taken on July 4, 1988, the photographs show Paul signing autographs and interacting with fans.
Paul signing autographs for fans (Image: Mirrorpix)
You can also see Linda and Jean Boht who played Nellie Boswell, the family matriarch in the series, as well as Carla Lane and other cast members. Unseen for years, you may also spot a familiar face among the fans pictured here.
That day, the ECHO reported how the “operation was a closely guarded secret” and Paul has said on set that it was “great to be home.” The article continues: “Paul, looking fit, well and as cheerful as ever, was happy to sign autographs.
“Later, as Linda stepped in front of the cameras to shoot one of her scenes, he revealed he never tires of constant requests for his signature.” Paul added: “I remember as a kid I used to go to the Empire to wait for people like Frankie Lane, so I know what it is like.”
Paul and Linda brought their whole family to the city for a trip round the old haunts. Paul said: “I drove them all mad by saying that’s where we did such and such.
Linda McCartney with Jean Boht(Image: Mirrorpix)
“The city is really looking great these days.” Paul is also said to have “jumped at the chance” to star in Bread.
Paul laughed: “They dragged me ion for a line at the end of it – but it should be a good line.” It’s now been over 30 years since the cast of Carla Lane’s Bread provided viewers with a unique glimpse into Liverpool life, a perspective only this city could offer.
Paul McCartney meets fans as he prepares to film a special episode of Bread in July 1988(Image: Mirrorpix)
It ran for eight series until 1991 – and there were so many unforgettable moments. Among the McCartney’s appearance, this included Rita Tushingham’s guest appearance as the neighbour Celia, Liverpool singer Sonia playing Adrian’s girlfriend Ellia, and the family’s holiday to Italy in the 1988 Christmas special, among others.
After Bread, the cast has participated in a variety of projects, including Hollywood films, theatre tours, and soap operas. And unfortunately, some of the legendary actors are no longer with us.