A BBC TV comedy legend, who also made an appearance in Coronation Street, started working life in the coal mines and enjoyed life in the spotlight before his sad death
With its knobbly knees contests, morning exercise calls and iconic ‘Morning campers!’ greeting, Hi-de-Hi was the BBC sitcom adored by Brit households in the 1980s. At its peak, the show enjoyed an audience of up to 15.5 million viewers – nearly double that of a modern-day Strictly Come Dancing final.
Among the Yellowcoats working at the fictional Maplins holiday camp during the fading glamour of the 1950s were Spike (Jeffrey Holland), Sylvia (Nikki Kelly) and their formidable manager Gladys (Ruth Madoc), alongside cleaner Peggy (Su Pollard) and entertainment manager Jeffrey (Simon Cadell).
Joining them all was the heart and soul of Maplins, a loveable, working-class rogue who looked out for everyone – Ted Bovis played by Paul Shane.
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Sadly, Paul died on this day (16 May) back in 2013, at the age of 72. The former miner passed away surrounded by loved ones at a hospice in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, following a brief illness.
Paul originally worked down the mines, but suffered an accident at 27 when he slipped on soap at the pithead baths and was medically retired. He turned to entertainment in pubs and clubs before securing a part as a character called Frank Roper in a 1979 episode of Coronation Street.
Then comedy writer Jimmy Perry discovered Paul and gave him the role of Ted in his new holiday-camp sitcom. The programme aired from 1980 until 1988, and secured a BAFTA for Best Comedy Series in 1984. It drew inspiration from Jimmy’s own experiences working as a Redcoat at Butlins.
Paul subsequently featured in You Rang, M’Lord, alongside several former Hi-de-Hi! cast members, and made appearances on programmes including Holby City, Emmerdale and A Touch Of Frost. He later dedicated his time to theatre work, including pantomime productions.
In 1996, he appeared on the BBC lunchtime show Pebble Mill at One, singing an over-the-top version of the Righteous Brothers’ hit You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling. Belting out the line “Baby, baby,” with incredible intensity, people said it sounded more like a threat than a love song and became a ‘bad TV’ cult classic. Viewers later voted it the 72nd funniest moment in British TV history in Channel 4’s 100 Greatest TV Moments From Hell.
In May 2009 Paul revealed he was facing life-saving heart surgery after medical examinations. At the time he said he collapsed in 2007 and added: “I went to see a heart specialist and an angiogram showed I’ve got narrowing of the arteries. “I’m either having two or four bypasses – they won’t know, until the operation. “If I didn’t have this op I could be dead in 12 months or I could last ten years. You don’t know, but I’m not taking that risk.”
He was widowed in 2001 following the death of his wife Dory, and left three daughters and six grandchildren.
Paul’s agent, Linda Kremer said at the time of his death: “Paul Shane was a consummate professional, a true gentleman, a good friend, and a joy to work with over the past 15 years. He didn’t suffer fools, always maintained his sense of humour, never stinted on the time he gave to his fans. He lightened my life and I’ll miss him enormously.”
Meanwhile, comedian Ricky Gervais wrote: “RIP Paul Shane. Old school Britcom hero. This one’s for you mate…” Benidorm star Sherrie Hewson tweeted: “RIP the wonderful Paul Shane! You will always be remembered Paul! A huge talent, young actors should look and learn xxxxx.”
TV presenter Aled Jones added: “Sad to hear of Paul Shane’s passing – really loved him in Hi-De-Hi #massivepartofmychildhood.” And Emmerdale star Lisa Riley wrote: “RIP Paul I adored you in Hi-de-Hi, great comedy actor lost.”
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