Episode 1
Something Blue
Episode credits
Directed by John ReardonWritten by Tony HoareGuest stars Paul Moriarty, Simon Gipps-Kent, Peter Birrel, Linda Robson, Lynda La Plante, Brian Gwaspari, Nigel Rathbone, Derek Thompson
TV series
The Gentle Touch
19805 seasons7.2 / 10
Notable as the first British series to feature a female police officer (predating Juliet Bravo by four months), Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes raises her teenage son while navigating a male-dominated police force following the murder of her police commissioner husband.
Availability
Not streaming in United States
Checked Jul 22, 2026
The Gentle Touch premiered April 11, 1980. We don't have a confirmed streaming, rental or purchase option yet.
Synopsis
Notable as the first British series to feature a female police officer (predating Juliet Bravo by four months), Detective Inspector Maggie Forbes raises her teenage son while navigating a male-dominated police force following the murder of her police commissioner husband.
Season 2 episodes
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Where to watch The Gentle Touch
Episode 2
Decoy
Episode credits
Guest stars Paul Moriarty, Brian Gwaspari, Nigel Rathbone, Derek Thompson, James Ottaway, Jean Hastings
Episode 3
Break-In
Episode credits
Guest stars Paul Moriarty, Colin McCormack, Paul Angelis, Patsy Smart, Linda Regan, Pamela Buchner, Brian Gwaspari, Nigel Rathbone
Episode 4
Menaces
When Ivor Stocker, a J.P. and successful businessman, rteceives a blackmail threat, it becomes a case for Det-Insp. Maggie Forbes...
Episode credits
Guest stars Judy Loe, Carmen Silvera, Joss Ackland, Jill Baker, Brian Gwaspari, Nigel Rathbone, Derek Thompson
Episode 5
Hammer
A series of robberies with violence have been reported. All have a similar pattern, and all are carried out by women. Maggie Forbes and her police team are puzzled to know who these women are. Or could it be one woman in many disguises.
Episode credits
Directed by Tony WharmbyGuest stars Paul Moriarty, Leslie Ash, Derek Martin, Rosalind Ayres, Lesley Manville, Brian Gwaspari, Derek Thompson
Episode 6
Chance
Det.-Insp. Maggie Forbes spends a frustrating day at the law courts. She feels she would be much usefully employed trying to solve the criminal cases that keep arriving on her desk.
Episode credits
Guest stars James Ottaway, Peter Spraggon
Episode 7
Loyalties
Episode credits
Guest stars Paul Moriarty, John Barron, Ray Lonnen, Lesley Manville, Brian Gwaspari, Derek Thompson
Episode 8
Maggie's Luck
Episode credits
Guest stars Paul Moriarty, Jennifer Hilary, Ray Lonnen, Don Fellows, Lorna Yabsley, Brian Gwaspari, Nigel Rathbone
Episode 9
Shame
Episode credits
Directed by Peter MoffattGuest stars Rosemary Martin, Michael Melia, Doreen Mantle, Derek Thompson
Episode 10
The Ring
finale
Episode credits
Guest stars Paul Moriarty, Bernard Spear, George Sewell, Brian Gwaspari, Nigel Rathbone, Derek Thompson, James Ottaway, George Sewell
Episode information updated Jul 25, 2026
Available now in United States
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More about The Gentle Touch
Cast
Jill GascoineDI Maggie Forbes
William MarloweDCI Bill Russell
Paul MoriartyDS Jake Barratt
Art Malik
Leslie Ash
Catherine Schell
Hugh Cross
Judy LoeCredits
- Created by
- Terence Feely
- Written by
- Roger Marshall, Terence Feely, Brian Finch, Tony Hoare, Pat Hooker
Production details
- Status
- Ended
- Series type
- Scripted
- Episodes
- 56
- Original language
- English
Networks & production
ITV1United Kingdom
ITVUnited Kingdom
LWTUnited Kingdom
Themes
female police officerlaw enforcementlondon, englandmurder of husbandpolice proceduralsexismsingle mothersocial commentary