Episode 1

Available for over a year

As Desert Island Discs celebrates 80 years, David Baddiel explores the mercurial life of its very first castaway, entertainer Vic Oliver. In the forties, as a comedian, musician, host and music hall act Oliver was a household name. He'd married Winston Churchill's daughter and found fame appearing on the wartime radio show "Hi Gang" while forging a successful stage career. The programme explores the myths and contradictions concerning Oliver's personal life, with archive of the entertainer in conversation and performance, along with with contributions from Bill Pertwee, Writer Brad Ashton and trumpeter Joan Hinde. Producer: Stephen Garner.