News & Updates
This page covers Updates from December 2, 2007 to the present.
Site Map
Update: October 31,2023
New entries and corrections by William Brown
Welcome to the New Home of Benny's Place at http://hillsangels.ca/ and I know it has been a while since I have been doing any updates but I am happy to report that I do have this brand-spanking new domain and webspace. Please update your bookmarks and let others know that the older space at runstop.de is no longer being updated and to come over here to http://hillsangels.ca/ for all the latest. I have added several new music updates and cast updates on the site and that this information just would not be possible without the hard work and in-depth research done by William Brown. There are updates to entries for Pat Ashton, Nikki Critcher, Trisha Noble and Tracy Evans and you can find them in the Who's Who of The Benny Hill Show and The Who's Who of Hill's Angels pages. Special thanks to William Brown for his hard work!
Update: August 26,2023
Welcome to the New Home of Benny's Place celebrating over 20 years online!
Welcome to the New Home of Benny's Place at http://hillsangels.ca/ and I know it has been a while since I have been doing any updates and I am happy to welcome you back. It is hard to imagine those last 3 years with the pandemic and a lot of changes going on all around the world. Just letting you know that I did need to move Benny's Place to a new webspace. I am including details about that in another update. Benny's Place is currently being updated so that it will work on mobile devices like cellphones, though those using tablets should not encounter any issues. Please be aware that I am still updating the HTML5 code and that there will be a much better menu system in place for cellphones in the coming days. Please remember that this site is a non-profit site and that I do all the work myself, so please be patient.
Update: August 26,2023
Special updates happening at Benny's Place
I just want to let you know that I did need to move to a new webspace. Due to circumstances beyond my control, I am no longer able to update Benny's Place at it's old location. For some reason, I am no longer able to access the server and I am no longer able to contact the individual who was making it possible for me to have the space at no cost. I consider myself very fortunate that I had that webspace for such a long time. The new webspace I have is very low cost per year and also makes it possible to use technologies to serve the site better. Again, you will notice things happening here and there as I make changes and update the site for mobile users. And please update your bookmarks to http://hillsangels.ca/ and don't forget to pass the news along. Thanks for coming back.
Update: January 3, 2023
Navigation for cellphone users!
I am doing my best to keep up with the latest developments in technology. Currently, I have a link of a cellphone at the top of each page, next to the icon with the magnifier. That should take you to a page with links for the entire site. Please be patient as I make these improvements.
Update: February 18, 2019
Benny Hill References by Dave Hawkins
Dave Hawkins has done a little research and has provide some information on other TV shows that spoofed the Benny Hill Show. These included The Two Ronnnies, Kenny Everett, Smith and Jones, QI and The Paul Hogan Show. Thanks for the background and the cool pics, Dave.
Update: February 18, 2019
Vintage Newspaper Clippings from Dave Hawkins
Here are some neat newspaper clippings that Dave Hawkins has passed along to us. Special thanks to Dave for getting these cools scans. As usual, just click the images on the right for a full size image. Thanks again, Dave.
Update: February 18, 2019
New Angel Idenfitied
This is Jenny Baker, seen here in the sports segments from the February 8th, 1989 show. She also appeared as an angel in the January 13th, 1989 program. She was also a memeber of the Libby Robert's Dancers. Special thank to Lorraine Doyle (Greening) for identifying her for Dave and the rest of us! Thanks for the ID, Dave!
Update: August 28, 2017
Angels After the Benny Hill Show
Dave Hawkins has kindly passed along some interesting photos that show some of the Angels after leaving The Benny Hill Show.
These pics are from the Jim Davidson's Falkland Islands Special which featured the girls from The Benny Hill Show entertaining the troops and some behind the scenes photos as they were transported to the Falklands. Thanks Dave
Update: February 21, 2014
Laurie D Designs
Lorraine Doyle has gone into the jewellery business! So not only is Lorraine a very talented entertainer, she is also now an entrepreneur! Feel free to click the image of Lorraine and take a look at her site, Laurie D Designs
Update: November 17, 2012
Exclusive interiew with Alison Thomas by David Hawkins!
We now have an exclusive interview with the lovely Alison Thomas. Alison was generous to answer questions by David Hawkins for the site. Thanks to David for the interview and a Special Thanks to Alison Thomas. Enjoy!
Update: August 1, 2011
Official Bettine Le Beau Website
Bettine Le Beau has upadted her web presence with the Official Bettine Le Beau Website. I'm sure Bettine would enjoy you popping over and saying hello.
Update: December 16, 2010
Important News about Benny's Place!
Many fans of Benny's Place may be wondering why their e-mails have not been answerd lately and why there have been no updates to the site recently. The reason is that I have made some important changes in my life and I no longer have the time to work on Benny's Place like I used to. I have gone back to school and I am looking for a new career in Office Administration. I am also working part time now at a call center and simply do not have the time to devote to the site that I once did. But don't worry, I will keep the site up where it is indefinitely and see no need to take it down. This site will continue for as long as possible. Updates will simply be much rarer than before. I do appreciate all of your emails and support over the years and feel free to drop me a line. Not all e-mails will get a response. If you do send me some kind of e-mail or update, please keep it small as I simply don't have the time that I did before. Again, thanks for all of your support and keep an eye on the site. Once in a while something may be put up, but that will depend on whether I feel that the update is worthwhile or that I have the time to add it. Thanks!
Update: July 12, 2010
A Special Thanks to Keith Perron of PCJ Media for some audio files featuring Benny Hill that even I have as yet to listen to. Keith is posting these on pcjmedia.com as the copyright for these ran out years ago. The only copies that survived were transcription disks sent to radio station outside the UK. Benny Hill Time ran from 1964 to 1965. To download or listen online go to www.pcjmedia.com. More files could be added later as they are cleared, so this is definitely a spot for Benny Hill fans to keep an eye on and thanks again, Keith for all of your efforts!
Update: March 8, 2010
An Exclusive Interview with
Jon Jon Keefe
I was very happy to be contacted by the talented Jon Jon Keefe who was with the Benny Hill Show for nineteen years. He began his time on the series in 1973 and gives us his personal memories and thoughts in this interview. A Special thanks to Jon Jon for his thoughts and memories. You can also click on the image of Jon Jon to the left and read the interview. Enjoy!
Update: February 19, 2010
Facebook Group: Rename Southampton Airport Benny Hill International
John C. Bullas, has started a Facebook Group: Rename Southampton Airport Benny Hill International. Head over and support the cause. Sorry for posting this so late.
Update: February 19, 2010
BBC Hampshire Website Article: Benny Hill Saluted by The South
Stephen Stafford, a producer on The BBC Hampshire Website was kind enough to pass along a link to an article there on Benny, Benny Hill Saluted By The South by Victoria Bartlett. Head over and have a look and thanks to Stephen for the link. Sorry for posting this so late.
Update: February 19, 2010
Daily Mail Article: Why Saucy Benny Hill Was Kept Off Our Stamps.
Spencer Peet was kind enough to pass along a link to an article at www.dailymail.co.uk, Why Saucy Benny Hill Was Kept Off Our Stamps. Head over and have a look and thanks to Spencer for the link. Sorry for posting this so late.
Update: November 17, 2009
Benny Hill Show 8-DVD Box Set Review
by Andreas Millinger
There is now a fan review of an 8-DVD Box Set released for the german market by Benny fan, Andreas Millinger. Andreas was kind enough to pass this along for me to post. I apologize to Andreas for not having posted it sooner, but I recently upgraded to Windows 7 and this takes time. I have posted this to a new section on the site known as Fan Reviews. You can also get there quickly by clicking on the DVD Cover Art to the left! Andreas also did some nice scans of the DVD Digipak, which I have posted within his review. So, a special thanks to Andreas for this DVD Review. Enjoy!
Update: August 01, 2009
News Clipping for Benny's 1967 Boxing Day Show
Here is an interesting item passed on by Spencer Lloyd Peet on behalf of Bettine Le Beau. Its a newspaper clipping for the TV listings for the Boxing Day Show of 1967. By clicking on the photo of Benny and Yvonne Antrobus (left), you will get a full version of the newspaper clipping. Thanks to Spencer and Bettine for this curio. Enjoy!
Update: July 13, 2009
Official On The Buses Appreciation Society & Discussion Forums
I received an email from Dave of the Official On The Buses Appreciation Society & Discussion Forums asking if I could place a link to their site from Benny's Place. Reg Varney, who worked with Benny for years, was a cast member of On The Buses. Why not take a stop at The Official On The Buses Appreciation Society and join in the discussion if your a fan.
Update: February 19, 2009
Glamour Photographs added to Bettine Le Beau's Interview.
There are now five glamour photographs added to the interview from Bettine Le Beau's personal collection. When you read the interview, click on the images of Bettine for a larger view. A special thanks to Bettine for these very excellent glamour photographs of herself. Don't forget to visit Bettine's official site at bettinelebeau.co.uk. Enjoy!
Update: February 18, 2009
All-New: Bettine Le Beau Interview.
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. Clicking on the image at left will take you straight to Bettine's interview. You can also visit Bettine's official site at bettinelebeau.co.uk. Enjoy!
Update: February 12, 2009
Monty Python Connections by William Brown.
Contributing Editor William Brown has written an interesting article on the Connections between Monty Python and The Benny Hill Show. The 40th anniversary of both the debut of Monty Python's Flying Circus (which premiered on October 5, 1969) and the start of Benny Hill's two-decade-long association with Thames Television prompted William to take a look at the connections between actors for both series. Special Thanks to William for submitting this article. Enjoy!
Update: January 19, 2009
Photos submitted by Benny Hill fan.
I was recently contacted by Benny Hill fan David Holderbaum who passed along these very nice photos of Benny and members of the cast of the Benny Hill Show. Here are the descriptions on the back of the photos that David passed along. No. 1 The photo of Benny with the yarn is dated "1961" and makes mention of joining Benny on March 4 for "Juke Box Jury". No. 2 The photo of Benny in the gangster suit has the date "1 Dec. 1984" on the back. No. 3 The photo of Benny as the artist is dated "August 8, 1985, and mentions Jade Westbrook as being Benny Hill's "littest-ever Angel". There are a few faces I recognize, such as Louise English and Lorraine Doyle in this shot. No. 4 Photo is dated "April 5, 1989", and the only face I recognize is the girl directly behind Benny. I am going to get more information on these images and update this entry with identification for all of these images. Stay tuned. Special Thanks to David for these very nice scans. You can see a larger higher resolution version of each in a new window by clicking each image on the right.
Update: December 15, 2008
Bettine Le Beau in High Spirit Magazine
I received an email from Thomas Walsh recently which included these scans from the January, 2009 issue of High Spirit Magazine. The article is about the lovely Bettine Le Beau who appeared on The Benny Hill Show. All you need to do to read the article is to click the images on the right and you will get a larger version of each pic in a new widow. Hope you enjoy the article and again, a special thanks to Thomas for these scans!
Update: November 29, 2008
The Authorised Bettine Le Beau Web Page & Youtube Channel
I recieved an email from our contributing editor, William Brown that there is now an Authorized Bettine Le Beau Web Page. Bettine has authorized the page for her fans as a thanks for their support over the years. Bettine also has a Youtube channel, so be sure to check that out as well. Thanks to William Brown passing along this news.
Update: November 10, 2008
All New News Widget!
I have now added an all new news feed to the site with a special Javascript widget. The News Widget can be found below the right hand menu of every page on the site. The Widget does require Javascript to work. Feel free to grab the code from the widget and add it to your blog or site or anywhere you like on the internet. Thanks!
Update: November 5, 2008
The Best of Benny Hill: The Early Years DVD
It looks as though Lionsgate Entertainment is set to release a new DVD of The Best of Benny Hill, which was previously released by Anchor Bay in 2001. The disc is supposed to be the same 87 minute program as the Anchor Bay release, but with new cover art. The release date is January 13th, 2009. Those who passed on the Anchor Bay release may be interested in picking this one up. I do not have any other details on this title at this time, but if I am made aware of any I will certainly post them here.
Update: October 21, 2008
RSS News Feed Updated
I have now taken the time to improve and update my RSS News Feed for Benny's Place and will continue to keep it updated on a regular basis. It's a good way to check out the latest bits on what's happening here on Benny's Place at a glance. Just visit my RSS News Feed page by Clicking on the XML link at the top of any page in the site. You can also see an orange icon in your address bar window or on your toolbar which will take you to the News Feed page. I hope you like the feed and that it will prove useful to you. The feed, (if you are unfamiliar with news feeds), is a fast and easy way to get the latest info without having to visit the site. Please give me your feedback.
Update: October 9, 2008
Hill's Angels Connections
A New Article by David Hawkins
Associate Editor David Hawkins has written a very good article on the connections that members of Hill's Angels have with so many other dance troupes. I can see this article expanding more as time goes on with photos and more information. Thanks to William Brown who did a little editing and added a section on Love Machine. Special Thanks to David Hawkins for this article. Hope you enjoy it!
Update: September 16, 2008
Benny Hill Annuals, Region 4 DVD Releases
The Benny Hill Show, 1970 Annual, Region 4
Associate Editor, David Hawkins has passed along these images for some Region 4 titles of The Benny Hill Show. These Region 4 titles are being released for fans in Australia and New Zealand. If you click the image to the right, it will open up in a new window. This first collection for 1970 also inlcudes the short film Benny did for Thames entitled, Eddie in August. The street date was July 16th, 2008, so those in Region 4 should be able to get their hands on this DVD. Thanks to David for passing along these cool DVD cover scans.
Update: September 16, 2008
Benny Hill Annuals, Region 4 DVD Releases
The Benny Hill Show, 1971-1972 Annuals, Region 4
Another cover scan for these Region 4 releases passed along by Associate Editor, David Hawkins. This three disc collection covers the annuals from 1971-1972. If you click the image to the right, it will open up in a new window. The street date was August 13th, 2008, so those in Region 4 can get their own copy. Thanks again, David.
Update: September 16, 2008
Benny Hill Annuals, Region 4 DVD Releases
The Benny Hill Show, 1973-1974 Annuals, Region 4
A third cover scan for these Region 4 releases passed along by Associate Editor, David Hawkins. This two disc collection covers the annuals from 1973-1974. If you click the image to the right, it will open up in a new window. The street date was October 8th, 2008, so those in Region 4 can now obtain their own collection of Benny Hill DVDs. As more information on these and other Region 4 releases becomes available, you'll be able to find it here. Thanks, David.
Update: August 24, 2008
Billy Eckstine & Sarah Vaughan clip on Youtube
Contributing Editor William Brown has passed along a link to a video on Youtube of Billy Eckstine and Sarah Vaughan singing Passing Strangers. This was the tune Benny did in blackface on the February 22, 1973 episode. I am sure many of you can remember this bit from the photo of Benny to the left. If you would like to hear the original version of this song, you can click on the image of Benny and go to Youtube to hear this tune. As William points out, Benny makes a real mess of the lyrics, so here is a Passing Strangerslink he passed along so you can read the original lyrics to the tune. A special thanks to William for pointing this one out.
Update: August 15, 2008
Another Clip from Down Under Special on Youtube:
Benny at the Sydney Opera House
William Brown and Murray Rosenberg have pointed out another clip from the Down Under Special on Youtube. Benny at the Sydney Opera House is now available on youtube. This is quick gag that Benny later re-used in his New York special. You can click the image at left to open up the youtube clip in a new window. Sorry for the poor image quality. So far, there is no word on a DVD release of the Down Under program. Hope you enjoy it!
Update: August 8, 2008
Angels in The Spotlight Interview: Vicky Facey
As many of you know by now, I was recently contacted by the lovely Vicky Facey of The Benny Hill Show. She appeared in the "National Smile Week" sketch of Jan. 13, 1988. She was on the show within the final two series (1987-89) of Mr. Hill's Thames run. I asked her if she would like to take part in a brief interview for Benny's Place and she graciously consented. She also passed along some wonderful photos which you can find within her interview. They are from her time on the Benny Hill Show, as well as during her career as a model. Hope you enjoy the interview and a Special Thanks to Vicky for taking part!
Update: August 1, 2008
Contacted by Vicky Facey
I was recently contacted by Vicky Facey of The Benny Hill Show. She appeared in the "National Smile Week" sketch of Jan. 13, 1988. She was on the show within the final two series (1987-89) of Mr. Hill's Thames run. A special thanks to Vicky for helping us to correct an entry for her. Her updated entry can be seen in the Who's Who of The Benny Hill Show, Page 5. She was known as Vikki Harris during her time on the Benny Hill Show, but is now known as Vicky Facey. She was kind enough to pass along this publicity shot of Benny with other Angels. Front, Left to Right: Sue Upton, Benny and Vicky Facey; Standing: Lorraine Doyle (left) and Zoe Bryant (right). You can click the image and download a larger version in a new window. Thanks again, Vicky!
Update: July 31, 2008
The Benny Hill Show 40th Anniversary: A Proposal
It looks as though something interesting is in the works. A Proposed 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Benny Hill Show. I want to point out that, at this point, nothing is definite yet. This event may not even take place. The plan is to get people who worked on The Benny Hill Show to meet for a 40th Anniversary Celebration of the premiere of The Benny Hill Show on Thames Television. The target date is November 19, 2009. If you were part of the cast or crew, or were part of the making of The Benny Hill Show in any way, please contact myself or Erik Larsen of SueUpton.net to let us know if you are interested in participating. Again, at this point, everything is still in the planning stages and there is still nothing definite set. This event may not even happen. When there are other details for this event that I can pass along to you, they will be here on the Site Map page. Please hold your emails and questions for the moment as there simply are no other details to pass along. Please keep checking back here for the latest. You can also chat about this event at my ezBoard. Look in the Benny Hill topics section. When I know more, you cand find it here or on the ezBoard.
Update: July 12, 2008
Hawaii Five-0 Number from Down Under Special on Youtube
My brother Andrew has pointed out that the Hawaii Five-0 Dance number is now available on youtube. The routine is from the Down Under Special. Notice that none of the regular Hill's Angels are in this one, since Benny used a cast of people from Australia in the show. You can click the image at left to open up the youtube clip in a new window. Sorry for the poor image quality. So far, there is no word on a DVD release of the Down Under program. Hope you enjoy it!
Update: June 27, 2008
Archies's Angels from Down Under Special in German Box Set
I received an interesting email the other day from one Andreas Millinger about this German Benny Hill Box Set. He informs me that it does contain the Archie's Angels segment from the Benny Hill Down Under Program of April 12, 1978. As to other material from that program that continues to be missing in action, I do not know if any of the rest of that program is in this box set. The 8 disc collection contains 38 half-hour episodes only in German. Andreas believes these programs were cut together for Austrian and German TV and were not shown anywhere else. He also states that there are lots of classic sketches but very little Hill's Angels. Also, there are very few of Benny's songs, since the puns are so difficult to translate into German. Although the translations don't always work, they can also be very funny he says and he likes the German voices for Benny and Jackie. It certainly would be interesting to see the Benny Hill Show in German. I have seen it in French on different occasions. Thanks to Andreas Millinger for the information on this Box set. The Box Set can be found on amazon.de.
Update: June 27, 2008
John Trayhorn Blog
John Trayhorn (1955-2008)
Diminutive (4' 11") John Trayhorn, from his only appearance on Dec. 22, 1971 (on which he was credited as John Trayhorne), seen here as the son of Benny's German tennis player Otto Stuk. He was also in the runoff where he ogled the female police officers. A blog has been put together for John Trayhorn on blogspot.com so you can learn more about this actor. Special thanks to Tom Walsh (also known as "Tredder" in the ezBoard)for passing on this link.
Update: June 15, 2008
Archie's Angels from Down Under Special on Youtube
I just recieved a message from Murray Rosenberg that the Archie's Angels segment from the Benny Hill Down Under Special has been posted on youtube. So, check it out. In fact, there are a lot of Benny Hill bits on youtube. You will notice that the picture quality isn't the best. As far as a release of the Down Under Special, there is still no word on when or if this program will make it to DVD. Thanks to Murray for passing on the link to the Archie's Angels sketch.
Update: June 1, 2008
Photo from Jayne Melville Identities
Standing, Left to Right: Jayne Melville, Mandy Perryment, Sue Upton, Benny Hill (seated), Debbie Linden, Victoria Shellard and an unknown. Kneeling, Left to Right: Louise English, Sharon Bond and Tina Bond (The Bond Sisters) and an unknown.
William Brown continues to be an invaluable source of information. He has identitified almost all of the Angels in this photo. Standing, Left to Right: Jayne Melville, Mandy Perryment, Sue Upton, Benny Hill (seated), Debbie Linden, Victoria Shellard and an unknown. Kneeling, Left to Right: Louise English, Sharon Bond and Tina Bond (The Bond Sisters) and an unknown. Thanks to David Hawkins as well. And a special thanks again to Jayne for this photo.
Update: May 31, 2008
Photo from Jayne Melville
A wonderful photo autographed by Benny Hill passed along to me by Jayne Melville, also known as Jayne-Marie. Jayne can be seen standing behind Louise English, far left. The image is large, at around 1.05MB, so it may take a minute for it to donwload, depending on your connection speed. Enjoy!
I recently recieved an email from the lovely Jayne Melville, also known as Jayne-Marie, who was kind enough to pass along this very excellent photo autographed by Benny Hill. We can easily spot Jayne standing behind Louise English, far left. Sue Upton is also easily seen standing left of Benny in black stockings. I should be able to get the identities for all of these girls and will post them when I do. For a much larger version you can click on the image and see it open in a new window. The image is large, at around 1.05MB, so it may take a minute for it to donwload, depending on your connection speed. In case you didn't know, you can also chat with Jayne in my Benny Hill Hotel Splendide ezBoard. You need to register before you can chat. There is a special section just for chatting with Jayne there called Chat with Jayne-Marie, so if you haven't already, sign up and join in the conversation. Her nickname on the board is Jayne in Spain. A special thanks to Jayne Melville for passing along this fantastic photo of Benny and the Angels.
Update: May 19, 2008
Radio Program about Benny Hill on RTHK Radio in Hong Kong
I recently recieved an email from Keith Perron of RTHK Radio in Hong Kong who put together a Radio program called Comedy Classics all about Benny Hill. The program is about 30 minutes long and Keith Perron plays music from recordings Benny made and portions from The Benny Hill Show. Keith was kind enough to pass along a link to this program so fans who frequent this site can listen in. Special thanks to Keith for this program. Enjoy!
Update: May 19, 2008
John Trayhorn (1955-2008)
Another actor who appeared on The Benny Hill Show has died. John Trayhorn passed away on May 6, 2008 at the age of 53. At left is his only appearance on Dec. 22, 1971 (on which he was credited as John Trayhorne), seen here as the son of Benny's German tennis player Otto Stuk. He was also in the runoff where he ogled the female police officers. Our condolences to all who knew John and thanks to Phil Trayhorn for letting us now about his passing.
Update: May 1, 2008
Benny's Place gets It's own domain!
Benny's Place has now been registered with its own domain name, www.bennys-place.com. This new address is shorter and easier to remember than the old one, which however, still works so your old bookmarks will continue to work! When you do arrive at www.bennys-place.com you will notice that the address bar will say http://runstop.de. This is normal for the way the domain name has been registered. As a matter of fact, www.bennys-place.com can be reached with several addresses:
Special Thanks to Aglrond of the Torm Guardians Hall for making this domain a possibility!
Update: April 27, 2008
Benny's Place Is getting It's own domain!
On a much happier note, Benny's Place may soon be getting its own domain name! The new domain looks like its going to be www.bennys-place.com. Don't worry, your old bookmarks should work. Not exactly sure when the new domain will pop up. Keep an eye on updates and the site for any developments!
Update: April 27, 2008
Benny's Place Service Interruption
As no doubt some of you have noticed, Benny's Place has had a service interruption. I first became aware of this on Thursday, April 24th. There was a technical error which occured on the server. Benny's Place was being redirected to advertising. The site is now up and running properly and I hope to not see any more interruptions. I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Update: April 12, 2008
Online Interviews with Jayne-Marie
Tredder of the Hotel Splendide ezBoard has posted two links for interviews with Jayne-Marie, (she is also known as Jayne Melville) on the web. The interviews can be found at www.expatica.com and at www.webexpressguide.com.
Update: April 12, 2008
Benny Hill Stars Q&A with Jayne-Marie
A headshot of Jayne-Marie (top) as published in the 1979/80 edition of The Spotlight (London) casting directory.
We are very fortunate to have another cast member of TBHS answering questions for one of the Benny Hill Stars Q&A Interviews. Jayne appeared on the Dec. 26, 1978 and March 14, 1979 episodes of TBHS. She was recently in the US and had a chance to meet up with Erik Larsen, webmaster of www.SueUpton.net. He offered her the invitation to join fans in the Hotel Splendide ezBoard. Special thanks to Tredder, a member of the Hotel Splendide ezBoard for submitting my usual quiz questions to Jayne-Marie and thanks to Jayne for taking the time to answer them. Enjoy!
Update: March 28, 2008
Identities of Pan's People Gallery
at Jamd.com by David Hawkins
David Hawkins got in touch with me and has taken the time to identify the ladies in the Pan's People Gallery at www.jamd.com.
Image 1 The first picture is in fact Leg's and Co. not Pan's, They were the forth dance act on Top of the Pops from 1976-1981 taking over from Ruby Flipper who were only on TOTPs for six months who in turn took over from Pan's People who did TOTPs from 1968-1976. None of these girls did The Benny Hill Show.
Image 2 The Next image is the last line up of Pan's People in 1980. After Top of the Pops Flick Colby, who choreographed Top of the Pops from 1968-1983, kept Pan's people going as a cabaret act. The only girl who was on the Benny Hill Show in this pic was Claire Lutter.
Image 3 The next picture, the one with the guy in the chef hat. Four girls in this pic went on to do The Benny Hill Show Pauline Crawford, Abigail Higgins, Sarah Woollet and Francesca Whitburn.
Image 4 The next picture is the same line up.
Image 5 The 5th picture is of The Top of the Pops line up between December 72-74. Louise is the girl the her back to us and the other girl is Cherry. The bloke is Sir Jimmy Savile.He was a Presenter on TOTP'S from the first episode to 1984.
Image 6 The 6th picture is the same line up as the 5th pic with Bab's, Louise, Cherry and with her back to us is Dee Dee. Dee Dee is the only girl in this pic to go on to the Benny Hill Show in 1979 both as Dancer and choreographer.
Image 7 And the last pic is of Bab's and Dee Dee.
I would be more than happy to post these images on the site, but there is always that nasty copyright bit getting in the way. Thanks to David Hawkins for passing along these ID's for the images.
Update: March 30, 2008
Chat with Jayne-Marie in the forum
You can now chat with Jayne-Marie (top) in the Hotel Splendide ezBoard. She appeared in the Dec. 26, 1978 Show in the "Friday Night Fever" sketch, albeit wearing a wig, and was also one of the nurses who tended to Benny in the "private" hospital in the March 14, 1979 "National Health Service" sketch. Special thanks to Tom Walsh for reminding me to create a new forum on the ezboard for Jayne-Marie to chat in. And just in case you missed it, Penny Kendall, who appeared in the "Keep Young and Beautiful" routine, as well as "Ease On Down The Road" and "An Occasional Man" from the Feb.11, 1981 Show is also chatting with her fans in the Hotel Splendide ezBoard. In order to chat you will need to register as a member of the Yuku Community first. If you already have an ezboard account, you won't need to register. For those who haven't yet registered you can go to the Yuku Sign Up Page and become a member. Enjoy!
Update: March 28, 2008
Pan's People Gallery at Jamd.com
Someone in the Benny Hill ezboard was nice enough to post a link to a small gallery of images of Pan's People at www.jamd.com. I can see Abigail Higgins and Claire Lutter in amongst these photos, but as to any other girls from the Benny Hill Show, I am not sure. If other girls who appeared on the Benny Hill Show are identified, you can learn about it right here. Thanks to videoshow of the ezboard for posting this link. You can click the above image to see the Pan's People Gallery at www.jamd.com.
Update: March 28, 2008
Article about Benny Hill
Rise and Fall of a Comedy King by Glen Aylett
I got an interesting message in the Guestbook from Glenn Aylett of www.transdiffusion.org. He has written an interesting article on Benny called Rise and Fall of a Comedy King. You can also click on the image of Benny to get to the article as well. Thanks to Glen Aylett of www.transdiffusion.org for letting us know about this article.
Update: March 28, 2008
Mystery Girl in Wondergran Sketch
My brother inspired me to add this photo of an unknown girl in the Wondergran Meets Dracula sketch of March 14, 1979. Can you tell us who this mystery girl is? She is seen briefly removing her bra in an open window. Thanks to Andrew for inspiring this post. This image has been added to the Photo Gallery for the March 14, 1979 Episode. The Gallery with the Mystery Girl has several images in it including those for the March 14, 1979 show. The Mystery Girl is image 51 of 67.
Update: January 17, 2008
Coming soon to DVD:
The Benny Hill Annual: 1980
Street Date: Feb. 8, 2008
The Benny Hill Annual: 1980
Well, the official announcement for more Network DVD releases of the Benny Hill Annuals has been passed along. David Hawkins was in touch with Network DVD and they have a new street date for two more releases. The 1980 and 1981 Annual DVDs now have an official Street Date of February 8, 2008. Remember, these are Region 2 releases only. Special thanks to David Hawkins for passing this information onto us. I know that Benny Hill fans who live in the Region 2 area across the pond have been waiting for these titles to finally be released.
Update: January 17, 2008
The Benny Hill Annual: 1981
Street Date: Feb. 8, 2008
The Benny Hill Annual: 1981
Here is the cover art for the 1981 Benny Hill Annual. Details for both of these DVDs will be added to the Benny Hill Annuals page when they become available. For those fans in the Region 2 area, the wait is almost over.
Update: December 31, 2007
Celebrity Chat: Coffee with Penny Kendall
by David Hawkins
Left: Here is Penny Kendall with Associate Editor David Hawkins. David had the opportunity to meet with Penny over Coffee.
David Hawkins had the opportunity to meet up with the lovely Penny Kendall in what I hope will be the first of several celebrity chats. This is the first time someone who is a part of the Benny's Place crew has had the opportunity to meet up with a star from the Benny Hill Show in person. Penny was interviewed here quite some time ago in the Angels In The Spotlight section of the site. Perhaps this could be the first of several Celebrity Chats where the crew here at Benny's Place have the chance to meet with stars from the series in person. My personal hope is to eventually have audio chats recorded with Stars from the series as Podcasts. I'll let Associate Editor, David Hawkins give you all the behind-the-scenes details. A special thanks to Penny for meeting with David. You'll find some images provided by Penny in the article by David.
Update: November 22, 2007
Motigo Guestbook dropped:
Moved to Smart Guestbook Service
All of the messages from the Previous Guestbook Service have now been added to the Smart Guestbook Service. The Motigo Guestbook Service seemed to be more of a way for me to collect spam messages, so I decided to give the Smart Guestbook Service a try. As usual, all of the valid messages have been archived on this new Guestbook. You will also have to type in a verification code before your messages are sent to me for approval. This prevents computer robots from clogging up the guestbook with spam. Why not leave a message and let me know what you think?
Update: December 2, 2007
New: Exclusive Love Machine Q&A with Jane Eve (Colthorpe)
I was fortunate to hear from another member of Love Machine, Jane Eve (Colthorpe)! Jane was very kind to not only consent to an exclusive interview for Benny's Place, but she even passed along some really cool clippings from magazines, newspapers and photos as well. A special thanks to Jane for taking some time to get in touch with her fans. Read her interview now!