In the mid-1970s sitcom legend Reg Varney branched out in a new direction. Over two series he played Billingsgate Market porter Reg Funnell in the comedy series Down the 'Gate. His co-star and onscreen wife was played by none other than Carry On actress Dilys Laye. Further support came from Carry On Jack and Cowboy actor Percy Herbert.
The series proved less than a success, coming in the wake of Varney's big hit On The Buses. Perhaps the television audiences of the day could only identify with his bus driver cheeky chappy character. Anyway, sadly although twelve episodes were produced over 1975 and 1976, only the 1976 episodes remain.
The 1976 episodes are available from Network. According to their site, the episodes only survive because they are copies Reg Varney made himself. That's quite something! Here is one of the few episodes that survive. Look out for an appearance from the late Shirley Stelfox too.
Very sad news just coming through this morning that the actress Shirley Stelfox has passed away at the age of 74. She had been suffering from cancer. Shirley, best known to television viewers these days as Edna Birch in Emmerdale, had a long career on stage, in film and on television. She had been a permanent cast member on Emmerdale since 2000. Carry On fans will remember her for a brief supporting role as a waitress in 1971's Carry On At Your Convenience. She also starred in the films 1984 with John Hurt and Personal Services alongside Julie Walters. Shirley made her first screen appearance in David Lean's film Hobson's Choice at the age of 12. She went on to appear in the likes of Keeping Up Appearances, Juliet Bravo, EastEnders, The Bill, Bergerac, Inspector Morse, Brookside and Crossroads. She also famously played the role of the Video Dating Agency owner Jack Duckworth used as "Vince St Clair" in Coronation Street in 1983. Shirley Stelfox married actor Don Henderson in 1979. They were together until his death in 1997. She will be much missed.
