Jossy's Giants

Jossy's Giants was a children's footballing comedy drama that ran on BBC1 between 1986 and 1987. The show's plot centred on a boys' football team, the Glipton Giants, and their enthusiastic Geordie manager Joswell 'Jossy' Blair. The show was written by darts commentator and television personality Sid Waddell, himself a native of Newcastle upon Tyne. In total, only ten episodes were made. The Producer/Director Edward Pugh became an Executive Producer and ran Children's Programmes Department at BBC Manchester after the series. The distinctive theme music was written by Mike Amatt. Football scenes were shot at a since demolished Oldham Town fc site off Middleton rd Chadderton, exterior scenes were shot in and around Stalybridge, and the studio material was shot at BBC Oxford Road.

Directed by Sid Waddell, Jossy's Giants leans on a strong ensemble — Mark Gillard, Paul Kirkbright, Stuart McGuinness — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The series landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about comedy titles of 1986.