Carry On Laughing abandoned the revue format of the phenomenally successful Carry On London and opted for a straight farce set in a health spa (the eponymous Slimming Factory). The majority of the team were unwilling or unable to participate due to other work commitments or the recent death of Sid James, but Jack Douglas led a cast with just enough Carry On regulars to earn it a part in the series' canon. Liz Fraser stepped in as leading lady; Liz had recently returned to the Carry On series after many years, starring in Carry On Behind.