<P> The thirteen episodes of the first series, aired in 1973, have a loose narrative thread . The early episodes focus on Terry's return to civilian life following his discharge from the army, whereas later episodes focus on the planning for Bob and Thelma's wedding . </P> <P> The thirteen episodes of the second series, aired the following year, are mostly self - contained . However, the series opens with a focus on the growing romance between Terry and Thelma's sister Susan, partially continued from the first series . A four - episode storyline concerning Bob and Thelma's brief separation also begins during the middle of the series . </P> <P> The show's catchy theme song, "Whatever Happened to You", was written by Mike Hugg (of Manfred Mann) and La Frenais and performed by Hugg's session band, featuring session singer Tony Rivers supplying the lead vocals . A group named Highly Likely subsequently appeared on Top of the Pops to promote the song, and participated in a short UK tour as a result, but Rivers was not involved in these appearances . The song made the lower reaches of the UK Top 40 in 1973 . Mike Hugg also wrote the theme tune to the spin - off 1976 feature film, entitled "Remember When". </P> <P> The complete first and second series of the 1970s show (including the Christmas special) are available in the UK on Region 2 DVD . </P>

Who sang the theme tune to the likely lads