This Is Your Life article

HE'S Irish - and the fastest-talking man on television.

A "What's My Line?" panel could guess his name blindfolded - Eamonn Andrews.

But, like many of his "victims" in "This Is Your Life," he answered our questions in a quiet, low voice.

YOU'RE a likeable fellow - is this because you're Irish?

Remember, YOU said I'm a likeable fellow! I don't think being Irish has anything to do with it. There are likeable chaps in all races and countries.

ARE the contestants in "What's My Line?" rehearsed in any way?

Not rehearsed, but they are told where to sit and where to sign in. I also have a few minutes' chat with the contestants before the show goes on to get to know them and put them at ease.

IS it true that the women on the panel of "What's My Line?" have a bigger success record than the men?

I don't know the answer to that one. Really, it is a combined effort by the panel to break down the clues.

WHICH "This Is Your Life" programme stands out most in your mind?

Anne Brusselmans, a Belgian woman who did fantastic work during the war hiding our airmen from the Germans. I got such a kick out of watching her face when she met some of the men she had helped to escape.

DO you ever feel like rebuking Gilbert Harding?

Not any more.

WHAT'S the biggest boob you have ever made on TV?

When I gave the game away on a "What's My Line?" programme. I introduced a contestant to Barbara Kelly and instead of saying the man was a wage-earner, I came out with the man's occupation. There was chaos!

Funnily enough, I expected it to happen years ago. But I don't think I'll ever make that mistake a second time.

WHAT was the greatest fight you've broadcast?

Undoubtedly, the Cockell-Marciano fight in San Francisco. First, because it had always been my ambition to give a commentary on a world champion fight. It was relayed to Britain.

Second, the fight was terrific. I got a kick out of seeing Cockell come up round after round when everyone thought the first round would see the end of him.

HOW did you become such a fast talker?

I have always talked fast. Even at school dramatics I was always being told to slow down. And, as a boxing commentator, one needs to be fast.

HAS TV enriched your life at all?

Yes, it has, although it is very hard to explain. There is something wonderful about television. You get closer to people and make many friends. You feel you are talking to friends and not "customers" as in the theatre and cinema.

DO you ever feel nervous before a show?

Yes, very often. Especially so when a show has not been prepared. For instance, in one of the "Life" programmes I had A E Matthews – the most unpredictable man I have ever met. I was nervous all right.

WHAT'S the best nerve-steadier?

To be with good performers. It breeds confidence. I think taking pills or alcohol is dangerous.

WHAT incident in any of your programmes brought you most mail?

When I attempted to sing in my own show about 18 months ago, I had hundreds of letters for and against. In fact, I still get letters from people asking when I am going to sing again.

AS you are so friendly on TV, do you get many begging letters?

Yes, unfortunately I do – perhaps several every week.

WHEN did you join the BBC?

Many people think I am a BBC staff man, but I never have been. I am free-lance.

WHAT was your first assignment for the BBC?

In "Ignorance is Bliss" in 1950, when I took over from Stewart MacPherson.

DID you have a nick-name at school?

Not really. Most people called me Andy. But I know children today refer to me as "Amos and Andy."

I would like to add, however, that very few people spell my first name correctly.

WHAT was your first job when you left school?

I was an insurance clerk – a very junior one – in Dublin. My pay was £60 a year.

YOU were a boxer at one time. When did you have your first fight?

At the age of 17 in Dublin. I won on points.

HAVE you ever had any regrets in your life?

I don't think I have any regrets. I have made mistakes, but I believe if you don't make mistakes you never know anything.

PEOPLE say you are always popping off to America. Why?

There are lots of reasons. The main reason is television. I do a lot of work over there – including the panel game. I like to know what is happening there, it gives me an edge – and also experience.

HOW do you keep yourself looking so fit?

I walk a great deal. Do morning exercises and never take a lift.

WHAT are your hobbies?

Photography and golf – when I get time.

HAVE you a secret ambition?

I have several. I'd like to write another play. I wrote "The Moon is Black" in Dublin. I'd like to play in a cops and robbers film. And I'd like to be a magician.

IF you could make a wish come true, what would it be?

Peace in the world, no Customs barriers and no passports.

WHAT'S your idea of a good holiday?

The sea – anywhere as long as it is by the sea. I love swimming.

HAVE you ever lost your voice?

Never during a programme. But there have been times when I have had to have spray treatment.

DO you watch television much?

When I have the time I do, but I'm not one of those persons who switch on and leave on all evening. I think it's bad for the viewers and television.

WHAT'S your favourite TV programme?

I have two – "Gun Law" and "Benny Hill Show." Of course, boxing and football matches are top favourites, too.

WHO does the most nagging at home?

I confess I am the bigger nag. My wife will agree to that!

DOES your wife spoil you in any way?

Ah! She does - but if she finds I get too many compliments, she shoots in a home-truth or two.

WHAT other job would you have liked to have besides television?

I'd like to be a journalist.

ANY pet hates?

The telephone.

DO you drink?

Enough.

WHO'S your best critic?

My wife, undoubtedly.

APART from the Emerald Isle, which country do you like best?

England, because I know it best and it has been very kind to me.

MANY folk admire your curly hair. Is it naturally curly?

I don't think it is that curly, but what there is is natural.

WHAT do you hope to do when you retire?

I hope I never will retire completely. I'd like to write books and plays. Also to take up subjects I don't find time for today – like languages, history and painting.

HAVE you any lucky mascots?

No. I don't believe in them at all.

DO you or your wife believe in leprechauns?

Of course I believe in them. Very Important People, these leprechauns.