Biographies

Critic, journalist, broadcaster, writer and raconteur - Clive James achieved mainstream success in the UK with a series of shows that highlighted his acerbic wit and self deprecating sense of humour

One of the most influential television producers of a generation, Philip Jones presided over a galaxy of stars. He brought Benny Hill to ITV, provided Kenny Everett his own hit series and gave The Beatles their first national television exposure.

An influential figure in the world of British television comedy during the 1960s and 70s, actor and comedian John Junkin wrote scripts for numerous TV shows and for many comedians, including Ted Ray, Jim Davidson, Bob Monkhouse and Mike Yarwood.

They say that from small acorns mighty oaks grow, and if the old phrase can be applied to television stardom then we need look no further than much-loved comic actor Gorden Kaye for supporting evidence.

One of the most recognisable voices and faces of Irish stage and screen, David Kelly was loved and respected by his co-stars and the public alike.

Australian Bill Kerr carved himself an enduring place among an elite generation of comedians who changed the face of British comedy after the Second World War.

One critic once wrote when reviewing Geoffrey Lancashire's work, "If Geoffrey Lancashire didn't exist, he would have to have been invented."

In a career spanning more than 65 years, Herbert Lom played an extraordinarily wide range of characters on both the big and small screen

Arthur Lowe could get more laughs by the raise of an eyebrow or a subtle hand movement than most actors could get out of whole sentences. However, in private Lowe was not filled with the laughs he so easily gave to others.

The British born writer and presenter whose brief TV career in the 1950s was a prelude to her coming out - becoming a trailblazing gay rights activist and making her a role model to thousands