This Is Your Life: Tommy Trinder

Tommy TRINDER (1909-1989)

The only edition to have its subject revealed prior to broadcast

THIS IS YOUR LIFE - Tommy Trinder, comedian, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews at the BBC Television Theatre while appearing as a guest on a live broadcast of the George Formby BBC television programme Steppin' out with Formby.

Tommy, who was born in Streatham, south London, made his first stage appearance at the age of twelve in a talent competition at Collins Music Hall. This led him to join a touring juvenile comedy show and, later, develop his act in concert parties and working men's clubs. In July 1939, he starred alongside Arthur Askey in a stage version of the BBC's radio comedy series Band Waggon at the London Palladium.

During the Second World War, Tommy, with his catchphrase 'you lucky people', became one of Britain's foremost entertainers, performing for the armed forces with ENSA and appearing in numerous films, notably Sailors Three and Champagne Charlie. In 1955 he became a familiar face to early television viewers as the original compere for the ITV television programme Sunday Night at the London Palladium.

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