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THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Carmen Silvera, actress, was surprised by Michael Aspel while recording an episode of the BBC television sitcom 'Allo, 'Allo.

Born in Canada of Spanish descent, Carmen moved to Coventry with her family when she was a child. During the Second World War she was evacuated to Montreal, Canada, where she took classes with the Ballets Russes and appeared in three of its productions. On her return to Britain, she trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, before gaining experience in repertory theatre.

She appeared on television during the 1960s in the BBC police drama Z Cars, and later in the BBC soap opera Compact. In 1970 she appeared in the Dad's Army episode Mum's Army in a role especially written for her by the programme's writer and producer, David Croft. David cast her again in 1982 in his new sitcom 'Allo 'Allo! as Edith Artois, the antagonistic wife of opportunistic cafe owner Rene Artois, a role which made Carmen a household name.

"I just don't believe it!"

programme details...

• Edition No: 799
• Subject No: 786
• Broadcast date: Wed 30 Jan 1991
• Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
• Recorded: Fri 21 Dec 1990
• Venue: Teddington Studios
• Series: 31
• Edition: 15
• Code name: Cafe

on the guest list...

• Gorden Kaye
• cast members of 'Allo 'Allo
• Evelyn Humphries
• Jack Williams
• Robert Marshall
• Wendy Marshall
• Hazel Vincent Wallace
• Terence Soul
• Hazel Adair
• John Grant
• Robert Flemyng
• Frances Bennett
• Basil Moss
• Moray Watson
• David Croft
• Jeremy Lloyd
• Arthur Bostrom
• Vicki Michelle
• Anna Karen
• Stella Starr
• Debbie McGee
• Julie Rogers
• Lyn Paul
• Barbara Windsor
Filmed tributes:
• Ken - cousin
• Jean - Ken's wife
• Ken's family
• Christine Pollon

related appearances...

• Gorden Kaye - Nov 1986
• Jill Summers - Feb 1994
• Michael Craig - Jun 1994
• David Croft - Dec 1995
• Brian Murphy - Jan 1998
• Sylvia Young - Dec 1998
• The Night of 1000 Lives - Jan 2000

production team...

• Researcher: Sarah Ann Cockcroft
• Writer: Roy Bottomley
• Directors: Brian Klein, John Birkin
• Associate Producer: John Graham
• Producer: Malcolm Morris

• names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

The Good Life

the sitcom stars

The Night of 1000 Lives

a celebration of a thousand editions

David Croft

Gorden Kaye

Barbara Windsor

Screenshots of Carmen Silvera This Is Your Life