Sue Johnston Shines in Play For Today’s “Big Winners”
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So, there’s some really fascinating TV news for all of us who love a good drama, and it’s all about Sue Johnston. She’s back on our screens in the latest episode of the revived Play For Today , titled Big Winners , airing on Channel 5. Johnston stars alongside Paul Copley as Edith and Arthur Thistle, a long-married couple who have spent more than five decades together. Their life has been, let’s say, comfortably ordinary—nothing flashy, just scraping by and settling into routines that have become all too familiar.
The story kicks off with an almost magical moment: Edith comes in to find Arthur staring at the TV in disbelief. They’ve just won £14 million on the lottery. Now, Arthur is instantly transformed into what could be described as a jubilant, Lancashire Grandpa Joe, listing off all the ways the money could change their lives—holidays, houses, cars, endless food. It’s exhilarating, funny, and even a little chaotic as Arthur’s excitement takes over. But then, Edith stops him cold. She utters a simple wish of her own, one that shocks Arthur and changes the entire atmosphere of the room.
From that point on, what unfolds is a riveting exploration of 53 years of suppressed emotions. Edith’s frustrations, missed opportunities, and long-hidden desires come pouring out, while Arthur’s emotional unavailability and fear of moving forward are laid bare. Their confrontation is intense, raw, and very real—every accusation and home truth hits harder than the last. At one point, Arthur reflects on their situation, noting, “We’ve got maybe six years left. Collectively!” And yet, despite decades of compromise and quiet disappointment, Edith refuses to give up on the future she’s always dreamed of.
What’s particularly striking about this episode is how it balances humor and heartache. Johnston and Copley are simply outstanding, making the viewers feel every moment of joy, regret, and tension. It’s the kind of two-hander drama that reminds you why character-driven storytelling still matters. The episode runs for 45 minutes and, while it pauses for a week due to live NFL coverage, it continues on Thursday, December 4th at 9 pm on Channel 5. For those who miss the broadcast, episodes are available afterward on My5.
In short, Big Winners isn’t just about a lottery win; it’s about the emotional currency of a life lived together, the roads not taken, and the courage to finally chase the life you’ve imagined. And Sue Johnston, as always, is mesmerizing at the heart of it all.
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