This Is Your Life: Roy Walker

Roy WALKER (1940-)

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Roy Walker, comedian and television presenter, was surprised by Michael Aspel while recording an episode of the ITV game show Catchphrase at Carlton Studios in Nottingham.

Roy, who was born in Belfast, had his first taste of performing as a member of the Francis Langford choir, touring the UK and Ireland until he returned home to complete his apprenticeship with a local butcher after his voice broke. He later worked in the Belfast shipyards before serving seven years in the British Army as a PT instructor.

After leaving the army, he invested in a greengrocer shop but began singing again after winning a talent competition. He found fame as a compere of the Talk of the Town club in Belfast until the troubles in Northern Ireland forced Roy and his family to move to England in 1970, where he established himself as a stand-up comedian. His break came on the ITV talent show New Faces, which led to further television appearances, including in 1986, becoming the host of the ITV game show Catchphrase.

"I don't believe it! Thank you very much - goodness gracious! Who would have believed it!"

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