Hackers And Humphreys All

Yes Prime Minister' made its BBC TV debut on the same day in 1986 that Michael Heseltine quit the cabinet in a row with the Prime Minister.

Made to celebrate 30 years of one of Britain's best loved sit-coms, BBC Radio 4 Extra explores the relationship between the real world of Whitehall and this timeless satire.

Sir Antony Jay, a former political speech writer, and Jonathan Lynn, now a Hollywood film director, wrote every word of the scripts between them.

In exclusive interviews with Shaun Ley, they share the secrets of the political sitcom's success.

Shaun discovers the sources who blabbed and how New Labour ministers were influenced by Jim Hacker's serial defeats at the hands of Sir Humphrey.

He also visits the very heart of the British government, the Cabinet Room, to find out how true to life some of the plotlines really were.

Featuring four classic BBC TV episodes of Yes Prime Minister:

Starring Paul Eddington as the Prime Minister Jim Hacker, Nigel Hawthorne as Sir Humphrey and Derek Fowlds as Bernard.

* The Key

When Prime Minister Hacker's political advisor complains about losing her old office, Sir Humphrey decides to take action.

First shown on BBC TWO in 1986.

* The National Education Service

Hacker wants to axe the Department of Education and Science to slash bureaucracy and save cash - giving it directly to schools. Sir Humphrey is appalled.

First shown on BBC TWO in 1988.

* A Diplomatic Incident

When Jim Hacker discovers the French are planning some dirty tricks to get political advantage, the PM turns the tables on them.

First shown on BBC TWO in 1987.

* The Grand Design

Jim Hacker considers cancelling the Trident programme after discovering some interesting facts about the UK's defence system.

Directed for BBC TV by Sydney Lotterby.

Other contributors include:

Sir Richard Mottram

Edwina Currie

Lord Bernard Donoughue

Lord Peter Hennessey

Graham McCann

Sir Tony Blair

Producer: Adam Bowen for BBC News - Westminster.

Made for BBC Radio 4 Extra and first broadcast in January 2016.

Shaun Ley explores links between real politics and the TV satire of 'Yes Prime Minister'.