Premiering on 5 June 1965, this long-running BBC variety show starred relaxed Irish crooner Val Doonican sitting in a rocking chair wearing cardigans or jumpers, playing the guitar and singing easy listening and country material – and often comedic Irish songs such as Paddy McGinty’s Goat, Delaney’s Donkey and O’Rafferty’s Motor Car.
Comedy newcomer Dave Allen was a featured regular on the show in 1965 and 1966).
At its peak, The Val Doonican Show attracted over 16 million viewers.
Val was lured away to ITV in November 1970 (thanks to a £1 million, five-year contract) for an almost identical series for ATV, although this time aimed at a transatlantic audience. He was joined regularly by comedians Bernard Cribbins and Sheila Steafel and – in 1974 and 1975 – by impressionist Paul Melba a resident singing group called Fabric, and Kenny Woodman and his orchestra.
His guests this time around included Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Burl Ives, Stéphane Grappelli, The New Seekers, Basil Brush, Ronnie Corbett, David Frost, Arthur Askey, Roger Whittaker, Eddie Albert, Jack Wild, Florence Henderson, Petula Clark, Bruce Forsyth, Harry Secombe, Charlie Drake, Olivia Newton-John, Acker Bilk, and many more.
By May 1975, Val was back at the BBC, where the Beeb made him lose the sweaters and rocking chair in favour of sharp suits and shiny shoes.
By May 1975, Val was back at the BBC, where the Beeb made him lose the sweaters and rocking chair in favour of sharp suits and shiny shoes.
