Channel 5’s Play for Today has been revived for a new slate of episodes, with one of them, Never Too Late, airing tonight. But who stars in the drama?
11:55, 13 Nov 2025
The actress previously shared how Never Too Late will resonate with audiences (Image: Getty)
Channel 5 has breathed new life into Play for Today, introducing a fresh batch of episodes, one of which, Never Too Late, is set to air tonight.
Drawing inspiration from the BBC’s original series that ran from 1970 to 1984, this anthology series is giving a platform to emerging writers, directors and producers from less affluent backgrounds.
Never Too Late centres on a defiant woman, portrayed by EastEnders legend Anita Dobson, who takes control of a retirement village in a rebellious manner.
Subsequent episodes will delve into the escalating pressures faced by UK schools, the transformative effects of lottery wins, and a final instalment featuring a real-time, single-location psychological thriller with the suspense of a ticking time bomb.
Anita Dobson leads the cast of Play for Today’s revival(Image: Getty)READ MORE: Strictly Come Dancing’s Anton Du Beke pays tribute to ‘hero’ co-star after their deathREAD MORE: Gordon Ramsay ‘had to come clean’ after health ordeal left him fearing ‘accusations’
Previously, Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor at Channel 5, shared his thoughts on the Play for Today initiative: “Play for Today is synonymous with high quality standalone television dramas and we’re incredibly excited to be reviving it with a new slate of single films on 5.
“What makes this particularly important for us as a public service broadcaster is the opportunity to support emerging talent behind the scenes – from writers and directors to production teams – especially those from lower-income backgrounds who haven’t always had clear pathways into the industry. It’s a chance to tell great stories while helping to shape the future of British drama,” reports the Express.
Tonight’s episode synopsis reveals: “Never Too Late is an irreverent take on ageing, following a rebellious woman forced to start over in a retirement village. Set in a deceptively peaceful retirement village, this darkly comic drama follows sharp-tonged, fiercely independent Cynthia as she’s reluctantly moved in by her daughter.
Nigel Havers stars alongside Anita Dobson(Image: Getty)
“Cynthia clashes with eccentric residents, oppressive rules, and the surprise reappearance of her old rockstar fling from the 1970s.
“What begins as a mission to get kicked out becomes something more complicated, as she’s forced to confront long-buried secrets, strained family ties, and the unexpected possibility of starting over.
“It’s a story about second chances, unlikely friendships, and how the messy, defiant reality that life – and love – don’t end with retirement.”
Tracy-Ann Oberman also stars in Never Too Late(Image: Getty)
Who is in the cast of Never Too Late?
- Anita Dobson as Cynthia
- Nigel Havers as Frank
- Tracy-Ann Oberman as Cynthia’s daughter Amanda
- Nina Wadia as Heather
- Michael Fenton Stevens as Peter
- Natasha Williams as Mary
When does Play for Today air?
Play for Today airs at 9pm tonight on Channel 5.
Previously speaking about Never Too Late, Anita told The Guardian it would resonate with viewers because “[we] live in a society now where older people are living much longer, so it’s really important, I think, that their voices are heard as much as young people’s voices”.
“I hope it makes lots of people feel positive and hopeful that life is never over until the last bell rings.”
Play for Today broadcasts at 9pm this evening on Channel 5.
