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Frankie Howerd

Documentary revealing the truth about Frankie Howerd, one of Britain's best-loved comedians whose personal life was full of closely guarded secrets.

Thanks to his role as Lurcio in Up Pompeii, Frankie Howerd became on of Britain's most popular and distinctive comedians. But behind the titters there were secrets - things he was desperate to keep from the public, and truths so painful he tried to keep them even from himself.

The programme explores Howerd's turbulent life from his early days in south London and his efforts at serious acting through his radio stardom in the 1950s to his TV triumphs of the 60s and 70s. His closest friends and colleagues talk about his depression, his money troubles and his complex and hidden sex life. And we hear for the first time about his LSD-assisted psychotherapy and the shocking experiences it uncovered. With contributions from Jonathan Ross, Griff Rhys Jones, Eric Sykes and Ian Carmichael.

1 hour

Credits

RoleContributor
ParticipantJonathan Ross
ParticipantGriff Rhys Jones
ParticipantIan Carmichael
ParticipantEric Sykes
NarratorJan Francis

Broadcasts

  • Tue 4 Sep 200720:00
  • Tue 15 Jul 200823:20
  • Tue 15 Jul 200823:50
  • Sat 26 Mar 201119:05
  • Sun 12 Aug 201220:05
  • Mon 11 Mar 201321:00