The Brittas Empire stars Chris Barrie as Gordon Brittas, Pippa Haywood as Helen Brittas, and Julia St. John as Carole. A hit BBC sitcom set in a leisure centre.
Main cast
- Gordon BrittasChris Barrie1–7Main
- Helen BrittasPippa Haywood1–7Main
- Carole ReynoldsJulia St. John1–2Main
- Colin WeedonMichael Burns1–7Main
- Gavin BreamTim Marriott1–7Main
- Lynda DayJill Greenacre1–7Main
- Timothy "Tin" MackenzieRussell Porter3–7Main
Supporting cast
- Ted HensonJohn Woodnutt1–2Supp
- Pauline MookLouie Dyer4–6Supp
- Julie Matheson (later Wade)Harriet Thorpe4–7Supp
- Patsy DexterSally Knyvette3Supp
- Wanda PickleAnouska Michaels2–3Supp
- Gwendolyn "Gwen" Brittas (Gordon’s mother)Margaret John1–2Supp
Guest & voice
- Tracy/Jacqueline (various)Sue Vincent1, 3Guest
- Maggie (receptionist)Judy Rowley1Guest
- Mr. GrahamDavid Simeon2Guest
- David (council official)Paul Tooth3Guest
No matches — try another name.
About this cast
The Brittas Empire is a British sitcom that aired on BBC One from 1991 to 1997, following the chaotic and misguided management of Whitbury New Town Leisure Centre by the well-meaning but inept manager Gordon Brittas. The show focuses on his interactions with his long-suffering staff and wife, blending farce with social commentary.
FAQs
Who plays Gordon Brittas in The Brittas Empire?
Chris Barrie plays the bumbling leisure centre manager Gordon Brittas.
Is The Brittas Empire still funny today?
Many fans appreciate its farcical humour and 1990s charm, though some jokes have aged. It remains a cult favourite on UK digital channels and streaming.
How many seasons of The Brittas Empire are there?
There are 7 series (seasons), spanning from 1991 to 1997, plus a Christmas special.
Why did Carole Reynolds leave The Brittas Empire?
Julia St. John left after series 2 due to creative differences; the character was not recast but occasionally mentioned until a final guest appearance in series 3.
Where was The Brittas Empire filmed?
Exterior shots of the leisure centre were filmed at the Basingstoke Leisure Park in Hampshire, while interiors were recorded at BBC Television Centre in London.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026