Back in the early 70s as a teenager I worked as a nanny in Hampstead for another celeb. Over Christmas we went to a Boxing Day party at Brian's house. He was a lovely man and it was a lovely afternoon. I have this memory of an old-fashioned sing-song and the piano player was the divine Nick Brimble (Grantchester, among other great TV shows). At the time I remember wishing I worked for Brian and his then missus Carol!
Roy Castle made a complete fool of himself and spoilt John's big night. Why did he ever think that was an appropriate thing to do?? He clearly upset many people!!
I must agree. I never 'got' what a lot of people saw in Roy Castle. Always been as an 'all-round' entertainer, well there were so many things he was terrible at so I suppose he qualifies. Most of the times I saw him on-screen I just saw a pain in the backside. He even ruined a Morecambe and Wise 'Two Of A Kind' show in the 60s by appearing on it throughout, but I believe he was related to Eric.
@stephenguppy7882 I agree very much Stephen it always had to be about him really but when when your antics completely over shadow someone else's big night like he did here I think he should have known better. The 2 people who were very upset at the end of the show was John's mum and Danny La Rue .
This man! Wow. Seriously underrated, barely mentioned (GAY-outright, proud-in the 70's from day 1) actor who touched MANY, MANY English and, believe it or not, many Americans also. I am in my 7th decade of life and as a <10 year old I remember plainly saying "Even for a _____*, he is a damn funny man"! * - do not remember his exact word(s), but wasn't derogatory. It was like more of a matter of fact description of this great comical acter!!! And we continued watching the show. Saw no people bashing, carrying signs and yelling bad slurs!! Just down right an actor with words and actions, make millions in many countries laugh and laugh! Sorry, just ran across this on YT and the memory came back. Of course, I already knew about myself-dont know if my father did-and the weight of those few, nonchalant, words would mean. 😊😂❤
I'd forgotten how great this show was-! So touching & lovely while being entertaining; I can't help smiling while watching it, tho' I also wonder if some 'victims' disliked the surprise, at the same time it must have been a 'badge of honour' to be chosen. & it wasn't originally only 'celebs', it also inc less famous people who'd done extraordinary things; nurses, life-boat crew, charity workers.
My favorite British (or any ) comedy is " Are You Being Served". At one time, I had every episode on DVD plus all the related specials and series that followed. John was my favorite. Second was Molly.
His father died not long after this was filmed. He had a stroke just before Richard was due to record an episode of MATH and his mother told him to continue the recording then come to see him. Sadly he'd already died. Sally who was dating Richard at the time said they attended the funeral together but when they returned Richard's dog had killed his Mum's budgie!
