The role of James Hacker was written with Paul Eddington in mind.
Screenwriters Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn avoided all references that could indicate Hacker's political party, tough Lynn later admitted they had always imagined him as a centre-minded Conservative
Sir Humphrey Appleby's nickname by those who knew him best within the Civil Service was "Humpy".
Guest stars on the show included Ludovic Kennedy playing himself, Ian Lavender (Pvt. Frank Pike "Dads Army") as Dr Richard Cartwright, and John Savident (Fred Elliott "Coronation Street") as Sir Frederick "Jumbo" Stewart.
Yes Prime Minister was watched and enjoyed by the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who said "it's accurate portrayal of what goes on in the corridors of power has brought me hours of pure joy".
The British Film Institute (BFI) named this as one of the top ten television programs of all time.
Paul Eddington (Jim Hacker) had previously starred in "The Good Life" (1975) as Jerry Ledbetter.
Paul Eddington (Jim Hacker) went on to star in the Miss Marple film "The Murder at the Vicarage" (1986) as Rev. Leonard Clement, and the mini series "The Camomile Lawn" (1992) as Richard Cuthbertson.
Nigel Hawthorne (Sir Humphrey) went on to star in the movie "Demolition Man" (1993) with Sylvester Stallone & Wesley Snipes, the critically acclaimed "The Madness of King George" (1994), and the Disney movie "Tarzan" (1999).
Nigel Hawthorne (Sir Humphrey) appeared in the Monty Python film "The Meaning of Life" (1983) - he was the man walking by Crimson Insurance building as the anchor is raised.
Derek Fowlds (Bernard) had previously starred in "Doctor in Distress" (1963) as Gillibrand, and "The Basil Brush Show" (1968) as Mr Derek.
Derek Fowlds (Bernard) went on to star in "Heartbeat" (1992) as Oscar Blaketon.
