Modest, warm-hearted and an accomplished comedienne in her own right but often the comic foil for some of the funniest stars on television, the unforgettable Pat Coombs voice was instantly recognised on radio as was her face on television.
Some comedic talents are relatively simple to define. Some are much more difficult to encapsulate. Some, well, some are just pure...magic.
"Most of my life I have been lucky. I've not always had the money, but I have always been able to act out any part I want to play, whether it's professional on stage or before a real camera; or what passes for real life."
Ronnie Corbett achieved such fame as one of the Two Ronnies that his solo career was often eclipsed. But his status as a national treasure and a much-loved household name was as much down to his own talent as that of his comedy partner. Brian Slade looks back on a remarkable career.
A much loved character actor, best remembered for his booming voice and Welsh accent, Windsor Davies - who was actually born in East London, became one of the best known faces on British television, starring in two of the top sitcoms of the 1970s and 80s.
Once described as the best-loved fat man in Britain Les Dawson won his place in the national heart not for his corpulence but for his comedy which was unique-and for many years ahead of its time.
His sinister charm and twinkling eyes captivated audiences. A timeless villain, forever etched in our hearts
Described variously as the 'last great music-hall entertainer', 'the clown prince of comedy' and 'the squire of Knotty Ash', Ken Dodd tickled the British public for over 60 years. His live shows were legendary...and long! - "This isn't television, missus," he'd say, "you can't turn me off."
Jack Douglas, the man who made twitching an art form with a face that was as expressive as a mime trapped in a wind tunnel. You might remember him from the Carry On films, where he perfected the art of looking perpetually startled
Charlie Drake delighted audiences with his slapstick comic antics in stage variety shows and on television for more than 50 years, often playing a downtrodden "everyman," who failed at everything he tried. Not so in real life.