1 9 7 9 – 1 9 8 2 (UK)
27 x 30 minute episodes
A lightweight comic with a slick style and cheeky air, Jim Davidson has an engaging personality – a fact of which he is just a little too aware and much of his Thames Television show depended on his considerable rapport with the audience.
Mark Stuart’s production showed all the signs of a restricted budget and although designer Graham Probst’s spare but stylish setting helped, Jim had to work hard to sustain his half-hour.
Quick-fire cockney humour was his line and many a well-tried target came within his sights.
References to Brixton’s cosmopolitan population, exchanges with the audience – “Do you know how Irish women get pregnant? No? And you think they’re thick” – got predictable laughs, and one or two lightning sketches and an interlude by a musical guest completed the picture.
His guests over four series included Chas & Dave, The Dooleys, Bob Todd, Wendy Richard, Lionel Blair, Deryck Guyler, Rita Webb, Rudolph Walker, Windsor Davies, John Junkin, Norman Bird, and a pleasant musical group called Champagne.
Davidson went on to star in sitcoms Up the Elephant and Round the Castle (1983–1985) and its sequel Home James (1987–1990), before becoming the new host of The Generation Game in 1995.