That's Entertainment
This Is Your Life That's Entertainment feature
G H Elliott This Is Your Life G H Elliott This Is Your Life G H ELLIOTT

13 May 1957

George Henry Elliott - a popular star of the music hall - was surprised by Eamonn at the King's Theatre, Hammersmith while watching a 14 year old Richard O'Sullivan imitate his act on stage.
Among those paying tribute to the singer and dancer are the actor Finlay Currie and actress and singer Pat Kirkwood.

     
     
Albert Whelan This Is Your Life Albert Whelan This Is Your Life Albert WHELAN

30 September 1957

Eamonn surprised the Australian singer and entertainer in the audience at the BBC Television Theatre - Albert had been brought there by holiday camp owner Billy Butlin.
Among the guests greeting Albert - who developed his act in the English music halls after emigrating from Australia in 1901 - is actress Ada Reeve.

     
     
  This Is Your Life Big Red Book John Logie BAIRD

28 October 1957

In the only edition of This Is Your Life to honour a deceased subject, Eamonn Andrews paid tribute to the Scottish inventor, hailed as 'the father of all television', ahead of the forthcoming 21st anniversary of the world's first regular television service, which was launched on 2 November 1936 from Alexandra Palace in London.

     
     
Harry Secombe This Is Your Life Harry Secombe This Is Your Life Harry SECOMBE

31 March 1958

The comedian and singer was surprised by Eamonn - via a loudspeaker - as he entered the foyer of the BBC Television Theatre.
Best known as a member of BBC radio's The Goon Show, Harry is greeted by fellow Goons Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers, whose appearance causes the proceedings to descend into chaos.

     
     
Billy Butlin This Is Your Life Billy Butlin This Is Your Life Billy BUTLIN

21 September 1959

Eamonn surprised the entrepreneur during a meeting at the executive offices of Associated British Picture Corporation in Piccadilly, London.
Billy - who began his entertainment career in travelling fairs and later established a series of holiday camps into a multi-million-pound industry - became the first subject to be surprised on his wedding day!

     
     
Max Bygraves This Is Your Life Max Bygraves This Is Your Life Max BYGRAVES

2 October 1961

For the first edition of the eighth series, Eamonn surprised the entertainer while rehearsing his new show - Do Re Mi - at London's Prince of Wales Theatre.
The comedians Max Miller and Eric Sykes send recorded messages, while at the BBC Television Theatre, Max is greeted by bandleader Joe Loss and Pricella the pantomime duck!

     
     
Des O'Connor This Is Your Life Des O'Connor This Is Your Life Des O'CONNOR

19 November 1969

After five years off screen, This Is Your Life returned with the very first edition produced by Thames Television - and in colour - as Eamonn surprised the entertainer live on air, from the stage of the London Palladium, from where the show was broadcast live.
A visibly shocked Des was greeted by fellow entertainer Max Bygraves and musician Lonnie Donegan.

     
     
  Dickie Henderson This Is Your Life Dickie HENDERSON

17 February 1971

The entertainer - who grew up in Hollywood, where he made his screen debut, aged 10, in the 1933 film Cavalcade - was surprised by Eamonn while filming for his television series outside the Wembley studios of London Weekend Television. Previous This Is Your Life subjects Harry Secombe, Ted Ray, and Brian Rix are among those paying tribute.

     
     
  This Is Your Life Big Red Book James CORRIGAN

14 February 1973

The Yorkshire-born businessman, who founded the Batley Variety Club, was surprised by Eamonn.

     
     
  Jimmy Logan This Is Your Life Jimmy LOGAN

4 April 1973

The entertainer, born into a theatrical family in Glasgow, who became a theatrical producer and impresario, was surprised by Eamonn.

     
     
David Nixon This Is Your Life David Nixon This Is Your Life David NIXON

26 December 1973

Eamonn almost suffocated while tied inside a sack, waiting to jump out and surprise the magician and television personality at The Magic Circle Headquarters in London.
All is well in the end, and David is greeted by a host of show business names including entertainer Anita Harris and comedian Arthur Askey.

     
     
Ronnie Dukes This Is Your Life Ronnie Dukes This Is Your Life Ronnie DUKES

12 November 1975

Ronnie was surprised by Eamonn at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios, in the very same week he had achieved national fame appearing on the Royal Variety Show. His cabaret act, which features members of his family, was honed through a long and successful career on the variety club circuit. His guests include comedians Larry Grayson and Mike Yarwood.

     
     
Leonard Sachs This Is Your Life Leonard Sachs This Is Your Life Leonard SACHS

9 March 1977

The actor - known to television viewers for his elaborate introductions on the BBC variety show, The Good Old Days - was surprised by Eamonn and a bus full of folk - suitably dressed in Edwardian costume - outside London's Horse and Groom pub. The studio audience - also dressed for the occasion - saw Leonard greet actresses Jean Anderson and Patricia Hayes.

     
     
Marti Caine This Is Your Life Marti Caine This Is Your Life Marti CAINE

22 March 1978

For her first encounter with the Big Red Book, the well loved comedienne was surprised by Eamonn while filming in her home town of Sheffield. Marti began her career as a stand-up comedienne and cabaret singer in working men's clubs before gaining fame after appearing on the television talent show New Faces. Comedy duo Little and Large are guests on the show.

     
     
Mike Yarwood This Is Your Life Mike Yarwood This Is Your Life Mike YARWOOD

31 May 1978

To help surprise the impressionist outside London's Hilton Hotel, Eamonn enlists the help of various television personalities - all victims of Mike's mimicry skills. Regular This Is Your Life director Royston Mayoh makes a rare appearance in front of the camera as a guest, while former Prime Minister Harold Wilson also joins the tribute.

     
     
Anita Harris This Is Your Life Anita Harris This Is Your Life Anita HARRIS

6 January 1982

The actress, singer and entertainer was surprised by Eamonn at London's Talk of the Town venue, where she was currently playing to sell out audiences.
Among the guests paying tribute are comedians Jimmy Jewel and Jimmy Tarbuck in the studio, while entertainers Danny La Rue and Leslie Crowther send recorded messages.

     
     
Rod Hull This Is Your Life Rod Hull This Is Your Life Rod HULL

3 February 1982

Eamonn disguised himself as a giant emu in order to surprise the entertainer - famous for his aggresive arm-length puppet of a flightless emu bird - at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios.
One of emu's best known 'victims', chat show host Michael Parkinson, is on the guest list - albeit from a safe distance via a recorded message!

     
     
Freddie Starr This Is Your Life Freddie Starr This Is Your Life Freddie STARR

14 March 1984

The popular comedian, impressionist and singer - known for his offbeat and unpredictable humour - was surprised by Eamonn at the London Hippodrome.
Joining the tribute at the Royalty Theatre is comedian Billy Connolly and singer Englebert Humperdinck, while one half of the comedy duo, Bobby Ball sends a recorded message.

     
     
Danny La Rue This Is Your Life Danny La Rue This Is Your Life Danny LA RUE

18 April 1984

The popular entertainer was treated to a specially extended edition of This Is Your Life when Eamonn surprised him on stage during a curtain call of the musical Hello, Dolly! at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London. A host of top names from show business pay tribute - including actors Barbara Windsor, Donald Sinden and Anna Neagle, and singer Frankie Vaughan.

     
     
Tessie O'Shea This Is Your Life Tessie O'Shea This Is Your Life Tessie O'SHEA

5 December 1984

The Welsh entertainer and actress - who began her career in music hall and was known for her signature tune Two Ton Tessie from Tennessee - was surprised by Eamonn at Teddington Studios.
Among the guests paying tributeto Tessie - who was on stage by the age of six - are comedians Jimmy Edwards, Nat Jackley and Charlie Drake.

     
     
Bill Ward This Is Your Life Bill Ward This Is Your Life Bill WARD

10 December 1986

The television executive and former producer was celebrating 50 years in the business with a dinner at London's Hyde Park Hotel when Eamonn surprised him.
Bill was involved with the early days of ITV and his guests include fellow television executives - including Bill Cotton in the studio and Lord Grade via a recorded message.

     
     
Gary Wilmot This Is Your Life Gary Wilmot This Is Your Life Gary WILMOT

24 December 1986

The impressionist and singer - who rose to fame as a contestant on ITV's talent show New Faces - was surprised by Eamonn during rehearsals for a pantomime at Lewisham Theatre.
Among those paying tribute are the future This Is Your Life host Michael Aspel and Gary's comedy idol Norman Wisdom.

     
     
Paul Daniels This Is Your Life Paul Daniels This Is Your Life Paul DANIELS

2 November 1988

In a rare use of disguise, Michael dressed as a Chinaman to surprise the popular magician at Davenport's Magic Shop in London's Covent Garden.
Among the guests paying tribute to Paul - who first found fame on the ITV talent show, Opportunity Knocks - are fellow magicians David Berglas and David Copperfield and entertainer Max Bygraves.

     
     
Harry Corbett This Is Your Life Harry Corbett This Is Your Life Harry CORBETT

21 December 1988

Another rare disguise sees Michael dressed in a Sooty outfit to suprise the man behind the popular children's puppet, during a show at London's Mayfair Theatre.
Harry - who first introduced Sooty to the British public in 1952 - is greeted by the impressionist Janet Brown along with comedian Charlie Drake and musician Gerry Marsden.

     
     
Roy Hudd This Is Your Life Roy Hudd This Is Your Life Roy HUDD

4 January 1989

The actor and comedian - and authority on the history of the British music hall tradition - was surprised by Michael on the set of Eamonn's old show - What's My Line? Roy's tribute includes contributions from comedian Michael Bentine and comedy actress June Whitfield, while impresario Lord Delfont sends a recorded message.

     
     
Harry Secombe This Is Your Life Harry Secombe This Is Your Life Harry SECOMBE

7 March 1990

For Harry's second This Is Your Life tribute, Michael suprises him during a book signing session in the Kingston branch of W H Smith.
Harry's fellow Goon Spike Milligan is on the guest list, along with comedy actor Alfred Marks and his wife Paddie O'Neil, Welsh baritone Sir Geraint Evans and singer Dame Vera Lynn.

     
     
Billy Marsh This Is Your Life Billy Marsh This Is Your Life Billy MARSH

28 March 1990

The only theatrical agent ever to be a subject of This Is Your Life was surprised by Michael at Thames Television's Teddington Studios.
Billy - who had worked for theatre impresario Bernard Delfont before establishing his own company - is greeted by a galaxy of show business names including Bruce Forsyth, Ernie Wise and Norman Wisdom.

     
     
Bobby Davro This Is Your Life Bobby Davro This Is Your Life Bobby DAVRO

11 April 1990

Michael surprised the comedian and impressionist at London's Adelphi Theatre, with the help of Gary Wilmot, following a matinee performance of the musical Me and My Girl.
Bobby was greeted by, among others, singer Elton John - via a live link, and in the studio - entertainers Brian Conley and Bernie Winters.

     
     
David Berglas This Is Your Life David Berglas This Is Your Life David BERGLAS

25 December 1991

For a Christmas Day broadcast, the magician - one of the first to appear on British television with his own show first broadcast in 1954 - was surprised by Michael at the Forte Crest Hotel in London's Bloomsbury.
Among those paying tribute to David are actor Bill Maynard, magician Paul Daniels and illusionist Uri Gellar.

     
     
Mo Moreland This Is Your Life Mo Moreland This Is Your Life Maureen MORELAND

15 January 1992

Mo is best known to television viewers as The Mighty Atom - the leader of the comedy dance troupe The Roly Polys. The group often appear with comedian Les Dawson, who is on hand to help Michael surprise her at the curtain call of the pantomime, Dick Whittington, at the London's Wimbledon Theatre. Paying tribute via a recorded message is Miss Bluebell, Margaret Kelly.

     
     
Johnnie Hamp This Is Your Life Johnnie Hamp This Is Your Life Johnnie HAMP

10 February 1993

The television producer - known as Manchester's Mr Showbusiness through his work at Granada Television, where he produced more than 2000 television shows - was surprised by Michael at the city's Victoria and Albert Hotel. Greeting Johnnie at Granada Studios is Coronation Street's Elizabeth Dawn, while Barbara Kelly and Bob Holness send messages on film.

     
     
Bob Carolgees This Is Your Life Bob Carolgees This Is Your Life Bob CAROLGEES

1 June 1994

Michael gate crashed the curtain call of the pantomime at Crewe's Lyceum Theatre, in order to surprise the entertainer best known for appearing with his puppet Spit the Dog.
Bob - who was part of the Saturday morning television series Tiswas - is greeted by his former colleagues from that show - Chris Tarrant, Sally James and Lenny Henry.

     
     
Marti Caine This Is Your Life Marti Caine This Is Your Life Marti CAINE

30 November 1994

For the comedienne's second tribute, Michael enlisted the help of Blue Peter presenters John Noakes and Valerie Singleton and comedian Tom O'Connor, to surprise Marti at the Woburn Golf Club.
Helping to pay tribute on Marti's updated life story is fellow comedienne Victoria Wood and entertainer Brian Conley.

     
     
Bill Cotton This Is Your Life Bill Cotton This Is Your Life Bill COTTON

22 March 1995

The television excutive - who was responsible for some of the BBC's biggest shows from the golden age of television entertainment - was surprised by Michael at Castle Ashby in Northamptonshire.
Among the show business royalty who pay tribute to Bill are entertainers Bruce Forsyth and Ernie Wise, and singers Cilla Black and Vera Lynn.

     
     
Brian Conley This Is Your Life Brian Conley This Is Your Life Brian CONLEY

29 November 1995

Michael surprised the comedian and actor at the curtain call of the West End musical, Jolson, at London's Victoria Palace Theatre, where the show was then recorded.
Brian is greeted by comedian Bob Hope via a recorded message, while entertainer Max Bygraves pays his tribute in person.

     
     
Linda Lusardi This Is Your Life Linda Lusardi This Is Your Life Linda LUSARDI

21 December 2000

Michael surprised the actress, presenter and former glamour model, during the curtain call of the pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at London's Wimbledon Theatre - where the show was then recorded.
Among those paying tribute to Linda - who first appeared as a Page 3 girl in The Sun in 1976 at the age of 18 - are actors John Inman, Matthew Kelly and Melvyn Hayes.

     
     
Julian Clary This Is Your Life Julian Clary This Is Your Life Julian CLARY

28 December 2001

Michael interrupted yet another curtain call - this time for the pantomime Cinderella at the Richmond Theatre - in order to surprise the popular comedian and entertainer.
Joining Julian on stage to pay tribute are, among others, actor Frank Thornton and actress June Whitfield, while presenter Jonathan Ross sends a recorded message.

     

* the pre-1970 subjects were surprised by a different coloured book - see the Big Red Book feature for full details