From 18/05/1940

Tommy Handley and team put on a sterling show, despite the efforts of Funf. With Maurice Denham and Jack Train. From May 1940.

It's That Man Again - ITMA made a radio superstar of Tommy Handley (1894-1949) and had more than 20 million devoted listeners to the BBC Home Service each week - with millions more around the world.

Catchphrases like "TTFN - Ta-Ta for now" and "Can I Do You Now, Sir?" coupled with a frenetic, topical approach made it utterly distinctive.

From 1939 to 1949, over 310 episodes were broadcast during the Second World War, breaking away from existing comedy and music hall conventions with an anarchic and irreverent style - created by its writer Ted Kavanagh.