Fags, Mags and Bags: Series 5-9

Five more series of the award-winning BBC radio sitcom set in a Scots-Asian corner shop near Glasgow 'As mad as ever - and very funny' Daily Mail Ramesh Mahju and his trusty sidekick Dave Legg are back with more banter, bargains, shop-based shenanigans and over-the-counter philosophy. In these 24 episodes, Ramesh gets in trouble with the local headmistress over his new line of sweets, has a wobble about his Meat Loaf date with new girlfriend Malcolm, ponders retiring (but who would take over his convenience store empire?) and makes a mint when the new House of Wax opens in Lenzie, and the town is besieged by tourists. However, his surly sons Sanjay and Alok continue to reject Ramesh's worldly wisdom, preferring to make music with their new friend Grebo (aka Carnaptious Scrooch). And when the Bish spots Sanjay busking in East Kilbride, he's forced to confess that he's not been entirely truthful about his college education. Dave, meanwhile, explores every avenue to find a partner, from internet dating to wondering whether to take his 'bromance' with best pal Lesley to the next level. When he meets Margot on a Moving Alan fan site, he's on cloud nine - but not everyone is convinced... Plus, the Wall of Crisps is rocked by scandal, as the bag placement of a new range of Scottish political snacks is hotly debated; and love is in the air as the corner shop regulars prepare for a wedding. But will Sanjay perform at the reception with his new horrible band? Written by and starring Sanjeev Kohli and Donald McLeary, this warm, feelgood comedy also features Mina Anwar as Malcolm, and a host of guest stars including Julie T Wallace, Sean Biggerstaff, Julia Deakin, Lewis MacLeod, Simon Greenall and Gabriel Quigley. Production credits Written by and starring Sanjeev Kohli and Donald McLeary Produced by Gus Beattie for Gusman Productions A Comedy Unit production for BBC Radio 4 Cast Ramesh - Sanjeev Kohli Dave - Donald McLeary Sanjay - Omar Raza Alok - Susheel Kumar Malcolm - Mina Anwar Frank Butcher - Barry Howard Archibald Sibbald/Alan/Mr Hepworth/Lorna McKillop - Tom Urie Mutton Jeff - Sean Scanlan Bra Jeff - Steven McNicoll Hilly Bewerdine/Paella Fieldings - Kate Brailsford Jordan - Lucas Beatty/James McKean Mrs Begg - Marjory Hogarth Father Neil Green - Andrew O'Neill Bishop Briggs - Michael Redmond Mrs Birkett/Phil - Stewart Cairns Keith Futures - Gavin Mitchell/Greg McHugh Mrs Temple - Julie T Wallace Lovely Sue - Julie Wilson Nimmo Grebo - Sean Biggerstaff/Manny Sumal Janice Littbarski - Julia Deakin Terry Wogan/Duncan Norvelle - Lewis MacLeod Keenan's Mum/Mrs Armstrong/Thin Elizabeth//Dolly Eggs/Cambus - Maureen Carr Candida - Barbara Rafferty Lesley - Simon Greenall Fraser Linlithgow - Sean Biggerstaff Kallum - Taryam Boyd Songs of Praise presenter - Effie Summers Helena - Lorraine McIntosh Provost - Moray Hunter Angusina Comer/Nathan Laser - Gavin Mitchell Margot - Gabriel Quigley Other parts played by the cast First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 September-31 October 2012 (Series 5), 18 April-23 May 2016 (Series 6), 28 August-18 September 2017 (Series 7), 15 August-5 September 2018 (Series 8), 19 June-10 July 2020 (Series 9) © 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P) 2022 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd