Brush Strokes

In 1986, Karl Howman as Jacko painted his way into the heart of the country when Brush Strokes commenced on BBC television. This hilarious comedy from John Esmonde and Bob Larbey, creators of hit series Please Sir! And The Good Life would go on to run for five series over five years and 40 episodes.

Karl Howman stars as Jacko, painter, decorator and all-round charmer, never happier than when he’s in the company of a good woman – or any woman for that matter. He can’t help it, he just loves the female sex and can’t help but try to share that love with everyone from the boss’s daughter to a novice nun. Living with his married sister Jean, Jacko works for Bainbridge Decorators with his side-kick Eric, under the watchful and distrustful eye of his boss Lionel, and the boss’s secretary Sandra.

Jacko’s adventures with a brush in his hand and a glint in his eye made every week of the series worth watching. It’s no wonder that the series feels as fresh and funny today as when Brush Strokes first hit the screen.

There appears to be general confusion regarding series numbers. Series 1 and 2 are sometimes listed as just 1 series as they were aired in succession.