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Popular World War 2 Drama ‘Tenko’ Featured Real-Life Couples Unbeknownst to Many Viewers
The acclaimed World War 2 series, Tenko, a BBC drama centred around women held in a Japanese internment camp during wartime, showcased not one, but two couples who were married in real life. This aspect of the beloved series, which ran for 31 episodes and garnered a dedicated fan base, remained a secret to many.
Two Real-Life Marriages Within the Cast
Tenko, featuring a talented ensemble including Stephanie Cole and Elizabeth Chambers, originally aired from 1981 to 1985. Over its four-year duration, this gripping wartime drama quietly included two pairs of actors who shared romantic relationships beyond the screen.
Elizabeth Chambers and Ken Riddington: A Behind-the-Scenes Romance
Elizabeth Chambers, prominently known for her portrayal of Domenica Van Meyer, was married to Ken Riddington, the series producer. Riddington held the significant position of acting Head of Series and Serials for the BBC drama department alongside his production responsibilities for Tenko. He retired at the age of 75 and enjoyed 12 years of retirement with Elizabeth, later known as Liz Riddington.
Later Life and Passing
Regrettably, Ken Riddington was later diagnosed with dementia and moved into a care facility in London, where he passed away in December 2014. Elizabeth Chambers died four years afterwards in May 2018.
Ann Bell and Robert Lang: Another Couple in the Cast
Ken and Liz Riddington were not the only couple within the Tenko cast. Ann Bell, who played Marion Jefferson in the series, was married to Robert Lang. Lang made an appearance as Teddy Forster-Brown in the Tenko Reunion movie, released in 1985.
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A Lasting Union
Robert Lang and Ann Bell were married from 1971 until his death in 2004. They adopted two children together and also shared the screen in a 2002 episode of the television series Heartbeat.
Stephanie Beacham: Finding Solace During Personal Challenges
However, life wasn’t always easy for the cast, particularly in their personal lives. For Stephanie Beacham, her life was described as being “at a low ebb” following the dissolution of her marriage. In the book ‘Remembering Tenko’, she revealed: “My marriage was over and I was at a low ebb. I wanted to be in the company of women in the sunshine.”
Beacham continued, “I’d put my faith in love and marriage and suddenly I had two babies to raise single-handedly. I was unhappy. So Tenko didn’t exactly change my career but it didn’t half change my personal life. It came at a pivotal time and re-floated my heart. Simple as that. It reaffirmed my belief that things were going to be all right.”