UFO (TV series)
A single season of 26 episodes (including the pilot) was filmed over the course of more than a year; a five-month production break was caused by the closure of MGM-British Studios in Borehamwood, where the show was initially made. Production then moved to Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire. "UFO" was first broadcast in the UK and Canada in 1970, and in US syndication over the next two years.
UFO (TV series)
"UFO" had a large ensemble cast; many of its members would come and go during the course of the series, with a number of actors—most notably George Sewell and Gabrielle Drake—leaving midway through the series during the production break necessitated by the change of studios. It is established early on that SHADO personnel rotate between positions, so the occasional disappearance of characters—some of whom would later return in other positions—fits in with the concept of the series. Also, owing to the scheduling of the series not reflecting the production order, some episodes featuring departed cast members were not broadcast until late in the series, which can give the impression that no major cast changes occurred. Only Ed Bishop appeared in every episode.One of the female Moonbase operatives, Joanna, was played by Shakira Baksh, who later married actor Michael Caine. Producer Gerry Anderson later said that he had lost his temper with her so badly on the set of "UFO" that he always feared the idea of running into Michael Caine at some actors' function, and being punched on the nose by him.