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Celebrating television's This Is Your Life

  

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THIS IS YOUR LIFE - William Franklyn, actor, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews while recording a sketch for the ITV comedy series What's On Next? at Thames Television's Teddington Studios.

William, who was born in London to professional actors, served with the 6th Airborne Regiment during the Second World War. After holding various labouring jobs, he joined the Southsea Rep in 1948, before moving on to Margate, Northampton, and Windsor.

He appeared on the London stage in the comedies The Tunnel of Love and There's a Girl in My Soup and in films such as Quatermass 2 and Danger Within. On television, he starred in the ITV spy series Top Secret, a role that made him a household name.

programme details...

• Edition No: 490
• Subject No: 488
• Broadcast date: Wed 26 Apr 1978
• Broadcast time: 7.00-7.30pm
• Recorded: Mon 17 Apr 1978
• Venue: Teddington Studios
• Series: 18
• Edition: 23
• Code name: Tonic

on the guest list...

• Barry Cryer
• Bob Todd
• Jim Davidson
• Anna Dawson
• Linda Lou Allen
• Ann Bruzac
• Mary Rigby - mother
• Suzy - wife
• Francesca - daughter
• Sabina - daughter
• Ben Dickinson
• Ronnie Narramore
• Jock Williams Sneddon
• Brian Rix
• Elspet Gray
• Alan Rothwell
• Robert Morley
• Ray Cooney
• Leonard Rossiter
• Freddie Trueman
• Rex Berry
• Joanna Berry - cousin
• Jason Berry
• Melissa - daughter
Filmed tribute:
• Patrick Cargill

related appearances...

• Robert Morley - May 1974
• Ray Cooney - Jan 1975
• Pam Ayres - Nov 1976
• Patrick Cargill - Dec 1976
• Cathleen Nesbitt - May 1980
• Jim Davidson - Feb 1984
• Bob Todd - Feb 1984
• The Night of 1000 Lives - Jan 2000

production team...

• Researchers: Deborah Gaunt, Marilyn Gaunt
• Writers: Tom Brennand, Roy Bottomley
• Directors: Royston Mayoh, Terry Yarwood
• Producer: Jack Crawshaw

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

related pages...

An Actor's Life For Me

spotlight on the stars

The Night of 1000 Lives

a celebration of a thousand editions

Patrick Cargill

Ray Cooney

Barry Cryer

Jim Davidson

Robert Morley

Brian Rix

Leonard Rossiter

Fred Trueman

Screenshots of William Franklyn This Is Your Life