Benny Hill Stars Q&A
Bettine Le Beau

Bettine Le Beau (b.1936)

IMDB Entry

I was recently informed that someone who is a member of the Benny Hill's Hotel Splendie ezBoard had managed to secure an interview with Bettine Le Beau who appearanced on The Benny Hill Show during 1971 and 1972. A special thanks to our interviewer who would like to remain anonymous and of course to Bettine herself for giving us her time and memories of her part in The Benny Hill Show. There are five photos added to the interview below by Bettine from her personal collection. As usual, click on the images of Bettine for a larger view. A special thanks to Bettine for these very excellent glamour photographs of herself. You can also visit Bettine's official site at bettinelebeau.co.uk. Enjoy!

How did you come to Benny's attention?
One morning whilst I was at home the phone rang and the voice said "I am Benny Hill." I was startled but did not question its authenticity. Perhaps it is because I am such an optimist and have faith in my future that I reasoned: why shouldn't Benny Hill ring me in person? He told me that his shows needed a pretty French girl who could also speak various other languages. Would I please come to the first reading of the script rehearsal at... As it is such a long time ago I can't remember the location, but it was in town above a pub. I was at the time with the Aida Foster Theatrical Agency and took it for granted that he had a previous conversation with them about me.

Did you have to audition?
Not really, I was accepted immediately.

Were you hired as: A comic actress? A singer? A dancer?
I was an all-rounder. By the way, I did dance in one of the sketches. I believe I was a Spanish Senorita in it, Flamingo costume and all. Oh! It is such a long time ago...

You seem to have been underutilized. Why was that?
The reason I was not in more sketches is rather my fault not Benny's. Being married, and having decided that its sanctity is more important than a great career, I had to decline some of the work.

Of all the sketches you took part in during your short run with TBHS, what would be your personal favorite? Why?
My favourite sketch with Benny Hill is definitely "French for Starters" because I had a free hand in playing it the way I felt was right. I did not have to worry about the spacing of dialogue as I did all the talking... Ok, ok, I know what you are thinking!

Did you collaborate with Benny in the writing of the "French for Starters" skit?
Benny gave me the script and as the dialogue was all mine he gave me carte blanche to do what felt right for me. So, I played myself and the Master of Facial Expressions, Benny, did the rest. When we finished the skit, if you look closely, you can see I go over to him to give him a big hug for he was extremely generous in giving me this part.

Why did you use the formal "vous," rather than the familiar "tu," in the sketch?
The reason why there was no tutoiement in the sketch is, I presume, to make it easier for the audience who probably only have a school knowledge of French. Why confuse with two different words when the "vous" they already know will do?

Who thought up the "gros baiser/grand baiser" gag, you or Benny?
It was in my script.

How was the sketch developed and taped?
Benny and I did an early version of the sketch back in 1967 for a Boxing Day special on ATV. More than three years later, Benny wanted to redo the sketch for Thames TV. After a week's rehearsal somewhere in the Elephant and Castle district, the sketch was taped in the Studio in front of a live audience. It represents the best single uncut taping.

Was performance before a live audience stressful?
Performing to a live audience is not stressful if you had ample rehearsals. On the contrary you gain an immediate buzz where your adrenaline, oxygen and whatever other biological chemicals are there ready to support you. I personally let go and my subconscious does all the work... like magic! I believe for successful results students are told before taking their exams: "Study your subject thoroughly and then let go." It works all the time!

Which sketch did you like the least? Why?
The sketch I liked the least is the one of London's Big Ben Clock which was usually shown at the start of the evening's news. You hear the chimes and all of a sudden the face of the clock is transformed into a window where we see a young girl in the privacy of her home taking off her silk stockings rather tantalizingly. My mother-in-law, who happened to be with us that evening and watched the show, became very angry and told me in no uncertain terms that a respectable young lady with two little children does not behave like this and that her son is much too easygoing with me; he should not stand for all that nonsense. So now you can understand why this particular sketch is my least favourite.

What were your impressions of the filming of the "Woodstick" sketch?
It was open air film shooting and as I like variety... I was very happy.

What was it like working with the cast of the Benny Hill Show?
My experience of the first day at rehearsal was very rewarding indeed. I was immediately liked by the whole cast. The girls certainly did not resent me as they heard that I was married with two children and as I like to chat and gossip we felt at ease with each other. As for the guys they were extremely gallant towards me. I suppose they wanted to prove that "we the British are as good as the French when it comes to chatting up the birds," which they certainly were, to my delight.

What do you recall about working with specific members of TBHS cast?
Henry McGee was exceptionally a gentle gentleman. I really enjoyed his company and in my mind I classed him as the prototype of all Englishmen. I was very sad to read a few years ago that he died at the Home For Retired Showbiz Personalities.

I was grateful to Nicholas Parsons because he recognised in me the Gift of the Gab and thus he recommended me to the Producer of Just a Minute, Petticoat Line and probably praised me to various others. Things like this one does not forget and is always appreciative and try to do the same to other newcomers.

Bob Todd was a jolly fellow who probably wanted to hide his inner depression... consequently he liked to have his little drinks in his dressing room at each opportunity when the sets were changed for the next sketch. Well, as everyone knows, the best sketch is usually left for last... so by then our Bob Todd was really gone. I remember we were a German Choir, all singing off key, when Benny happened to glance up at Bob and he announced that the one that was Bob was Brahms & Lizt, which in Cockney rhyme it means pissed. That of course brought another big laugh. A few years after that articles in the press where asking: "Did anybody know the whereabouts of Bob Todd?" -- for he went missing. After a while we read that he was OK.

Jackie Wright was a kind little man... so grateful to be still working at his age and loved the recognition he received for his many appearances in the Benny Hill TV Shows.

Jenny Lee-Wright was to my mind a real warm-hearted lovely young girl. I liked her very much. I was upset to read that years later she had a lot of personal troubles. Probably, some took advantage of her trusting nature.

Have you kept in touch with those who worked with you on the show?
At the beginning, yes. But as time marches on we lost contact.

Did you remain in contact with Benny after you left the show?
No, I did not remain in contact with Benny because I thought he might think that I only phoned in order to get some more roles to play.

If you had thirty seconds to describe Benny Hill, how would you do it?
Benny Hill was a gentle soul and loved an audience. His sketches were mainly visual. That's why they are still shown all over the world; his humour was international. He enjoyed being surrounded by pretty girls. He also told everybody that pretty girls attract audiences. He was great!!!

How willing was Benny to share the spotlight?
Benny understood show business through and through and if sharing the limelight would enhance the show, he was all for it.

How well did Benny speak French, German, and Spanish?
Benny Hill could converse in French, German and Spanish because he used to tour the continent in search of new material. Holidays and week-ends were spent abroad going to clubs, shows or any place where his creative nature could adapt certain ideas and make them very much his own brand of humour.

How well did producer/director John Robins get along with Benny?
John Robins and Benny Hill got on extremely well. Some of Benny Hill's scenes were shot at John Robins premises. I cannot remember exactly but I presume it would have been the very first ones. John and Benny must have considered how to lower the budget as at that time the money paid to them was not as prolific as in the following years.

Because of your national prominence in connection with "The Feminine Touch," were you ever asked to take a public position on the alleged sexism of TBHS? If so, what position did you take?
Because of the national prominence in connection with The Feminine Touch, I was on various radio programmes discussing vive la difference of being all woman... many phone-ins and quite a lot of strident ladies disagreeing with my views. As for your question -- whether I had to take ever a stand on the allegation that TBHS was sexist -- I was never asked my opinion. For your information, I certainly don't think for a moment that it is offensive yet I am rather a prude.

Did you view TBHS over the years?
Yes, of course, I watched TBHS over the years and I loved them all.

Should Benny have retired before he was "fired"?
It is not a case of whether he should, but rather, of whether he could retire before he was fired. TBHS was part of the essence of his existence... that was what he was, his identity... how can he be without it? The proof is: he had no family, no real social friends outside work... and thus he died a lonely man whilst watching the TV . He instinctedly knew that TBHS was his life... I am so pleased that he has so many fans all over the world and thank everybody for keeping his memory alive.

What do you make of current British attitudes toward Benny and his Show?
Granted, new generations have different tastes (as it is very apparent with the violent films in vogue as opposed to the goody goodie ones of yesteryears).

Would you be interested in participating in some kind of formal celebration, in London, of the Benny Hill Show's 40th anniversary?
I certainly would be honoured to participate to a formal 40th Anniversary Celebration in London for our beloved Benny Hill. I think this is a most gracious gesture to his memory.

A very special thanks to Bettine for taking some time to talk to us about the Benny Hill Show. Don't forget to visit Bettine's official site at bettinelebeau.co.uk. On behalf of your fans Bettine and Benny Hill fans everywhere, Thank You.

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