‘Holding On’

Press, 10 May 1979, Page 15

‘Holding On’

The drama series “Holding On” comes to an eiid tonight. Charlie finds it difficult on the docks as machines take over more and more the work previously done by the men.

At home Ann becomes overtired and ill and has to go to hospital. Ted is now a successful salesman, spending a Jot of his time and money on girlfriends. Harry has a new girlfriend JoJo. Daughter of a rich diplomat, JoJo is gay, charming and irresponsible and fascinated by Harry’s working class family. Marge visits Steadman Street. She has married a wealthy Jew called Hymie. She seems to be the only one to realise that Ann is dying.

Harry knows that his mother would like to see him settled so announces his engagement to Jojo. Charlie is striken by Ann’s death. He refuses to live with either of his sons, and becomes very lonely.

Ted has a heart attack and Lukie takes the children to live with her mother. Harry’s marriage ends and JoJo leaves with the baby. Steadman Street is being demolished and Charlie ends up in hospital with a stroke.

He thinks that it is perhaps right that he and his street should disappear at the same time; the East End and its people have all gone now.