Kenny Everett wasn't a stand up comedian, nor a comedy actor, but made his name presenting hilarious, zany radio shows for the BBC and Capital Radio in the sixties and seventies. When Thames suggested he try his humour on television in 1978, to replace the clapped out talent show Opportunity Knocks, he jumped at the chance and ten years of great comedy was born.
Originally Kenny's shows were merely him linking pop acts and dancers, with witty comments in between, but soon the emphasis was more on the comedy and the music, and a hugely successful run of shows began for Thames and the BBC that had 16 million viewers at their peak. Characters like ageing Hell's Angel Sid Snot, punk rocker Gizzard Puke and, most memorable, the porn/horror actress Cupid Stunt( " done in the best possible taste") became hugely popular. Also the use of television special effects, rapid fire sketches and lingerie clad women like Cleo Rocos and dancers Hot Gossip were other reasons to watch.
It is sad, though, apart from a tribute show on ITV recently, Kenny's shows have never been repeated on the main television channels since the nineties. I know some of the material won't be PC, but who cares, he was of his time and I'm sure a new generation of fans could be created by repeating his shows. After all, they were all done in the best possible taste.
Originally Kenny's shows were merely him linking pop acts and dancers, with witty comments in between, but soon the emphasis was more on the comedy and the music, and a hugely successful run of shows began for Thames and the BBC that had 16 million viewers at their peak. Characters like ageing Hell's Angel Sid Snot, punk rocker Gizzard Puke and, most memorable, the porn/horror actress Cupid Stunt( " done in the best possible taste") became hugely popular. Also the use of television special effects, rapid fire sketches and lingerie clad women like Cleo Rocos and dancers Hot Gossip were other reasons to watch.
It is sad, though, apart from a tribute show on ITV recently, Kenny's shows have never been repeated on the main television channels since the nineties. I know some of the material won't be PC, but who cares, he was of his time and I'm sure a new generation of fans could be created by repeating his shows. After all, they were all done in the best possible taste.