Billy Dainty was given his own Thames Television show on the strength of his show-stopping appearance at the Royal Variety Performance, where he reduced the Queen Mother to tears of laughter.
Famed for his ‘eccentric dancing’, he was a marvellous physical comedian and vocalist, and an outstanding pantomime Dame.
Billy Dainty Esq. combined sketches with music, and occupied the Opportunity Knocks slot on Monday evenings for six weeks. The programme gave him full rein to display his numerous talents, particularly a sketch entitled ‘The Eurovision Dance Contest’.
Dainty was ably supported by Graham Crowden, Derek Deadman, and the lovely and talented Sheila White – at that time appearing in the hit Confessions movies – who provided some amazing impersonations of Suzi Quatro, Cher and Nina (of Nina & Frederick fame).
In addition, she and Billy played a warring middle-aged couple who conducted a fierce row in the manner of a televised boxing match.
Despite having many excellent qualities, the show was surprisingly not re-commissioned, although it was repeated in full a year or so later. Sadly, only two episodes are known to have survived.
Billy went on to become a regular in the BBC children’s show Emu’s Broadcasting Company. He died in 1986.
Billy Dainty
Graham Crowden
Derek Deadman
The Ladybirds
Sheila White
Six Of The Best
