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So here I was at Television Centre feeling and looking great.

The first person I met on the way to my office was Bill Cotton, who at the time was producing his father’s show “The Billy Cotton Band Show.”

“Morning Jim” he said “how are you doing?”

I told him about the new series and how I was meeting Jimmy Edwards later.

“Sounds good – I really like Jimmy. He’s a very funny man. Is that a new suit?

“Yes. I got it made up from some material Fiona’s brother sent down from the farm in Scotland.”

“Very nice” he said feeling the lapel of my jacket “who’s your tailor?”

“Hardy Amies” I said, hoping to impress.

“Very nice indeed” he said “I’ll use him next time I want a boat built” and laughing at his own joke, continued down the corridor

At twelve thirty I went along to the BBC club to meet the writers for a drink, Frank Muir and Dennis Norden were in a group of comedy producers. It was obvious that the word had got around. I got a big round of applause as I came in.

“Have a drink” said Frank

“No make it two” said Dennis “one for you and one for the suit.”

That got a laugh too.

“No be fair” said Frank “there’s nothing wrong with the suit It’s Jimmy that’s wrong”

When it was time to go downstairs for lunch I made my excuses and went back to the office. I couldn’t face making another grand entrance in to the canteen.

At three o/clock Jimmy Edwards arrived. My office was small and he seemed to fill it with bulk and genial personality. Dressed in country tweeds and with an enormous moustache, he looked the embodiment of an 18th century squire. Surely he would like my suit. He sat down, had a cup of tea and we started going through the scripts one by one. We then discussed the casting – June Whitfield was going to play opposite him and young actors like Richard Briers and Ronnie Barker had agreed to play supporting parts. It all looked very good but Jimmy seemed to be distracted by something.

Suddenly he came out with it.

“That’s some suit” he said.

That finished it. If Jimmy Edwards thought it was “some suit” it must be some suit.

I never wore it again.

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