Bob Monkhouse, one of the most enduring figures of British comedy, died at his home in Bedfordshire yesterday aged 75. Monkhouse died in 2003 of prostate cancer. Rest in Peace you dear sweet man. In 1972, Monkhouse married Jacqueline, his secretary, who was at his bedside when he died. I wouldn't know what to do if I retired anyway.". In 1995, he poked fun at his legacy when he told the Independent: What will I leave behind me? His two sons both died in tragic circumstances, Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. [9], Monkhouse began his adult career as a scriptwriter for radio comedy in partnership with Denis Goodwin, a fellow Old Alleynian with whom he also compred Smash Hits on Radio Luxembourg. [citation needed]. He was the host of television game shows including The Golden Shot, Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes and Wipeout . Brian L. Potter, CAMBRIDGE, England. I've admired and taken a keen interest in him since. [15], In 2008, the British Film Institute was contacted by Monkhouse's daughter, Abigail, who asked if they would like to view the collection and provide some advice as to the best way of preserving it. An expert on the history of silent cinema and a film collector, Monkhouse presented Mad Movies in 1966. RIP sir.Tony Wallace, Nottingham, As a professional musician, I had the pleasure of meeting and working with Bob on several occasions. [4][10] In addition, they were gag writers for American comedians including Bob Hope, supplying jokes for British tours. Famed for his quick wit and ready oneliners, Monkhouse became one of Britain's highest-paid TV stars, and was awarded the OBE in 1993 for his services to showbusiness. Healthy mother-of-two, 32, collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class. There will never be another like him. Though regarded by some as smarmy, Monkhouse saw a revival in his career during the last 10 years, winning a new generation of fans and the respect of younger comics. Monkhouse was the class clown at Dulwich College. He also became a favourite with impressionists, and, as his comedy style fell out of favour in the 1980s, he was mocked[who?] [11] Monkhouse was known as a keen supporter of new comedy and used the show to introduce audiences to new comedians such as Kelly Monteith, Robin Williams and Jim Carrey. [4][5] In a 2015 documentary, it was revealed that Monkhouse and his older brother suffered from physical and verbal abuse by their mother. When do the clocks change in 2023? Whats it worth to you?. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Although I have been away from the UK for some years, thinking about Bob Monkhouse always helped me to connect to the old country and its unique humour. [14] Among the audience were a number of British comedians who had been personally invited by Monkhouse, including Reece Shearsmith, Jon Culshaw, David Walliams, Fiona Allen and Mark Steel. Then I'm being patronising. In 1956, Monkhouse was the host of Do You Trust Your Wife?, the British version of an American game show. Brian Wickings, Worthing, England, I have grown up watching Bob Monkhouse, and he will be sorely missed, he was a legend in his own right and although I may only be 23 myself, my friends and I agree that this comedy genius will be remembered and praised for years to come such as the likes of Bob Hope and Morecambe and Wise. Jackie Monkhouse, 71, was found by her maid at her home in Barbados. [7] His widow, Jacqueline, suffered a heart attack and died in Barbados on 28 March 2008.[24]. His loss is like losing a beloved family member. By the time he left Dulwich College at 17 he had a thriving cottage industry as a gagwriter, cartoonist and purveyor of pulp fiction. A Great Legacy I guess what really sums up Bob for me was that despite some of the crude and crass humour that exists on today's television, Bob never sunk to that level to get a laugh, he was the consummate professional, and was a "Family" entertainer which in today's world of comedy is a rare treasure. Monkhouse said: Am I going to be nice? The British entertainment world is mourning comedian Bob Monkhouse, who has died aged 75. Taking Vitamin D each day could cut your chances of getting dementia, study claims. Monkhouse continued: The ones who think they're the sharpies from clubland. Bob died peacefully in his sleep this morning at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.". The critics used to pan him as appearing insincere yet very few tried to meet him or get to know him. Monkhouse's agent of 38 years, Peter Prichard, said . After his death, tributes were paid by many figures in the world of entertainment. One of the brightest lights just went out on the Christmas tree," he said. My best wishes to his wife and family.Chris Curry, Newport, South Wales, From the pasty young dentist alongside Leslie Phillips (in black & white) to the man with the tan and the wry grin with some 'News for You', Bob will be missed not only for his consummate professionalism, but more perhaps for his generosity in both giving of money, for which he was well known, and of his own time and effort, which went generally unsung. His manager, Peter Prichard, said the entertainer died peacefully at his Bedfordshire home on Monday morning. He seemed to be a lesson to us all in how to keep smiling through adversity. Contents 1 Early life and career 2 Writing and acting success 3 Stand-up comedy 4 Game shows 5 Chat show The veteran comedian, whose showbusiness career spanned more than half a century, was. Shine on. You will be sadly missed by the British public. If still alive today, Bob would now be 92! In his autobiography, he admitted to hundreds of sexual liaisons and affairs, but claimed that he only undertook this course of action because his first wife was unfaithful. The marriage ended after 18 years after they had three children - Abigail, Gary and Simon. On Monkhouse's death, the books were bequeathed to Colin Edmonds. Suddenly I was in fashion again and reaching new people. He learned Yiddish to get Jewish function bookings and joined all three political parties to get their bookings. ITV News, 29/12/2003.Not my copyright - just sharing found ephemera. Read a selection of your e-mails below. EXCLUSIVE: Lanzarote sticks to its guns and insists it WILL limit tourists and move away from relying on Jeremy Clarkson DENIES he has been sacked as Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? Bob signed off: As a comedian, Ive died many deaths. After being a stalwart of chat shows, in the mid-1980s Monkhouse presented his own for the BBC, The Bob Monkhouse Show. "He was respected by all the other comedians because he was dedicated to his craft - he never stopped making people laugh," Mr Prichard said. He got them back a year later. Chris Hankins, Pontypool, Gwent, S. Wales, What a sad loss. I always enjoyed his 'Smooth' act and his (sometimes v. naughty) innuendos. I once met Bob Monkhouse 20 years ago in a lift in a Blackpool hotel when he was on his way to a stage performance. with the Hudson Brothers and Joan Rivers, a job he hated. [7], Monkhouse completed his National service with the Royal Air Force in 1948. Bob Monkhouse, born June 1 1928, died December 29 2003, Supremely accomplished stand-up comic and game show host, whose self-assured manner on screen masked a personal life dogged by loss and disappointment, Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. A Channel 5 show about Bob Monkhouses life and work airs tonight (Tuesday, December 29). Bob Monkhouse: Master Of Laughter airs on Channel 5 tonight Tuesday, December 29 at 9pm. His manager, Peter Prichard, said the entertainer died peacefully at his. His manager of 38 years, Peter Prichard OBE, said: "Everybody is grieving. My best wishes go to his family & friends.Stephen, St Erth, Cornwall, One word.LEGEND!! And as well as fronting the likes of The Golden Shot,Family Fortunes,Opportunity Knocks, Bobs Full House, Celebrity SquaresandWipeout, he also acted and hosted on the radio. From 1996 to 1998, Monkhouse presented The National Lottery Live show on Saturday evenings on BBC1, for which he created the catchphrase: "I know I'm a sinner, but make me a winner!" He was obviously concentrating on his delivery, but still had the courtesy to exchange good natured pleasantries. Prostate cancer, I don't recommend. He was appearing in south sea with Yana. In a poll of fellow comedians and comedy insiders to find the Comedians' Comedian in 2005, Monkhouse was voted among the best 50 comedy acts. RIP to the Big Man.Sharon, Wales, I'm sad to hear of Bob's untimely death. It was catalogued and restored to digital formats for a major event at British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) on 24 October 2009. His posthumous appearance involved computer animation and a voiceover from another actor. Born in Beckenham, south London, in June 1928, Monkhouse developed his talent for comedy while a pupil at nearby Dulwich College. I will miss him so much and feel very deeply for his family as I have just lost my mother to cancer. British comedian Bob Monkhouse, who wrote jokes for Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra in a 50-year showbusiness career, died on Monday aged 75, his manager said. Gary died of cerebral palsy in the early 1990s. applies equally to Bob Monkhouse. Get involved in exciting, inspiring conversations with other readers. Monkhouse leaves a daughter, Abigail. before walking away from his grave and disappearing. I have wonderful childhood memories of watching Bob's shows with my family. Monkhouse once said: "I'll never stop working. He revealed that the only difficulty he experienced was with the Essex lot, who he defined as lary lads who came from the scrap-metal belt. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in, Please refresh your browser to be logged in, Veteran entertainer Bob Monkhouse dies after cancer battle, Extra 20% off selected fashion and sportswear at Very, Up to 20% off & extra perks with Booking.com Genius Membership, $6 off a $50+ order with this AliExpress discount code, 15% off orders over 15 with this eBay discount code, Compare broadband packages side by side to find the best deal for you, Compare cheap broadband deals from providers with fastest speed in your area, All you need to know about fibre broadband, Best Apple iPhone Deals in the UK February 2023, Compare iPhone contract deals and get the best offer this February, Compare the best mobile phone deals from the top networks and brands. In March, he received a five-minute standing ovation from fellow entertainers at an awards show and BBC1 screened a special on his 56-year TV career in October. She told him: Some people absolutely adore putting on a show, they come back to my parties just to do that.. The entire Monkhouse film and television archive is now held by Kaleidoscope, including all the material previously held by the National Film and Television Archive (NFTVA). He had an encyclopaedic capacity for recalling gags and one liners and could play to many different audiences. Gabrielle Cohen, Edgware, UK, Having grown up with him on our screens for as long as we can rememberhe was a true "Star" in every sense of the word.John & Michaela Hadlow, Devon, He was so quick, so kind, so, so funny and just a lovely, lovely man. Despite his fears about being forgotten, he was branded the unlikely hero of modern comedy in a 2015 Telegraph article because his style is reportedly seen in other comedians. His stand up skills were truly impressive; there are many working in the business today who could learn from watching tapes of Bob at the microphone. . He married Jackie, his former secretary in 1973. Chris Barnett, Eastbourne, His appearance on television brought joy into my life for many years. In a piece written several years after Monkhouse's death, critic and satirist Michael Deacon suggested that although Monkhouse had feared that his legacy as a comedian would be limited, as many people knew him only from his decades of work as a game-show host, his style of writing and performing could be seen as influencing many contemporary British comedians, such as Jimmy Carr (whose book on comedy The Naked Jape quoted several Monkhouse jokes), Michael McIntyre, Peter Kay, John Bishop, Lee Mack and Tim Vine.[18]. Mr Prichard, who was Monkhouse's manager for 38 years, said: "Sadly, I have to announce the death of Bob Monkhouse OBE. Robert Alan "Bob" Monkhouse, OBE (1st June 1928 - 29th December 2003) was an English entertainer and comedian. The ad, made with the blessing of his widow, blends footage of Monkhouse with that of a body double then adds CGI manipulation of his face to match what is being spoken by a sound-alike. He was 75. My recovery has been dramatic and I'm ready to go back to work.". He died peacefully in his sleep after losing his two-and-a-half year battle against cancer, said his manager Peter Prichard. Initially, we found half a dozen TV shows that we knew to be missing.". Bless you, Bob.John, South Wales, Fifteen years ago I met Bob in person in a hotel in Stoke-on-Trent. More info. The veteran comedian, whose showbusiness career spanned more than half a century, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in September 2001. In 1979 he starred in US sketch comedy television series Bonkers! Thanks for all the laughs, Bob xAngela Taylor, England, TV & the world of comedy will never be the same again.John Emley, Prestwick, Scotland, Usually when someone famous dies there is a dramatic outpouring of grief for someone most of us never knew - well in this case, I am truly saddened because Bob Monkhouse was a man who never failed to make me laugh - he was 'saucy' without being crude and he always put a smile on my face.Nichola, Dundee, There aren't many comedians that I went out of my way to watch and follow but Bob was the exception. Photograph: Andy Butterton/PA. [17], In 1995 the British Comedy Awards gave him its Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy, and eight years later, a few weeks before he died, the Television and Radio Industries Club awarded him a Special Award for Outstanding Contribution to Broadcasting. 29/12/2003 One of the country's best-loved comedians, Bob Monkhouse, has died today after a two-year battle with cancer. READ MORE: America's Got Talent star Scott Alexander dies after suffering sudden stroke. In his final years, Monkhouse hosted a show on BBC Radio 2 called The Monkhouse Archive in which he provided humorous links to clips of comedy acts spanning the previous 50 years. Soon after, the then-24-year-old comedian realised that there was a false mirror on the ceiling and that other party guests were watching behind it. So long Bob.. 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Mr Prichard, of International Artists Ltd, said Monkhouse's wife Jackie called him shortly after 5am with the news that he had lost his battle with prostate cancer. He suffered very badly at times with it but he carried on. A day is wasted for me if I haven't done something even mildly creative.". Detectives hunting for Constance Martens baby find remains of infant, London Ambulance Service told to improve its ethnic diversity, Third of London pupils miss first pick of school, Shocking moment moped narrowly misses 70mph train at level crossing, Armed police swoop on Hackney Central station after man knifed, Harry and Meghan lose Frogmore Cottage after memoir controversy, What is the Willow Project? 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Comic Simon Cartwright did a play as him years after his death and people thought it was the real deal. Bob Monkhouse's Comedy Heroes: Directed by Willy Smax. Bob - you shall be sorely missed as an asset to the craft. His TV debut was in the 1950s comedy show Fast And Loose and by 1960 he was host of the British version of Candid Camera. As well as two sons, they had an adopted daughter, Abigail, who gave him two granddaughters. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family.Ian Peter, Southport, England, A Great Man He had three children from his first marriage, but only his adopted daughter, Abigail, survived him. The Golden Shot,Family Fortunes,Opportunity Knocks, Bobs Full House, Celebrity SquaresandWipeout, he also acted and hosted on the radio. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. They had three children before they divorced in 1972 and he leaves one daughter, Abigail. I saw him live a few years ago and whilst a little 'blue' I couldn't stop laughing at his jokes. Bob died peacefully in his sleep at his home after a lengthy battle with cancer.". Craig Warner, Hayden, Idaho, USA, I grew up in the 80s with Bob constantly on the TV. In one gag, Monkhouse quipped: They laughed when I said I wanted to be a comedian. And one of the women goes, `Ooh, un champignon nouveau [meaning] a new mushroom'. I remember some of his shows vividly, and it's a shame that yet another member of the old school of comedy is now gone. [16] The archive consisted of 36,000 videotapes, going back to when Monkhouse first bought a home video recorder in 1966. After a difficult life with the death of both of his sons, his own demise is a terrible loss and commiserations should be extended to his family. Robert Alan Monkhouse, one of Britain's best known comedians and game show hosts, died on Dec. 29 from prostate cancer. Monkhouse died in 2003 of prostate cancer. This is sad news for British comedy, but I expect Heaven will be a hoot now! It is very, very sad news.". Bob Monkhouse. His two sons both died in tragic circumstances, Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. With Julia Sawalha, Lucille Ball, Michael Barrymore, Jackie Clune. John Walker, Walsall, England, He was a very good comedian but I think Bob Monkhouse will be best remembered for his work as a TV presenter I'm only old enough to remember the repeats of Bob's Full House onwards, and from there shows like The $64,000 Question, the updated version of Celebrity Squares, the National Lottery and of course, Wipeout. Monkhouse's grandfather John Monkhouse (18621938) was a prosperous Methodist businessman who co-founded Monk and Glass, which made custard powder and jelly. "He loved showbusiness and showbusiness was lucky to have him. One of British TV's most popular performers with a career that spanned over four decades, funny-man Bob . He went on to front Celebrity Squares, Family Fortunes, Bob's Full House, Bob Says Opportunity Knocks and, more recently, the National Lottery Draw. Amongst shows rediscovered were many featuring Monkhouse himself, including The Flip Side, a 1966 play in which he starred as a television DJ with his own late-night show, and the 195758 series of his comedy My Pal Bob, including an episode in which he is suspected of an extramarital affair. I want to die in the saddle. Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in, Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile. This was broadcast live for 52 weeks a year and drew up to 17 million viewers. In 1993 Monkhouse was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to entertainment. Later Monkhouse and Ms Dors had an affair, which sparked fury after it was discovered by her husband Dennis Hamilton. Veteran British comedian and television host Bob Monkhouse has died at his Bedfordshire home aged 75. They were returned after 18 months,[10] but the thief, although arrested, was never charged. Always charming and self effacing, he never had a bad word to say about any of his colleagues and, unlike some, never ridiculed his public. The fledgling comedian was soon appearing on radio and TV as "the British Bob Hope, for whom he had originally written jokes. He won a contract with the BBC after his unwitting RAF group captain signed a letter that Monkhouse had written telling the BBC he was a war hero and that the corporation should give him an audition. Bob was as sharp as any comedian 50 years his junior. The star, who died from prostate cancer aged 75 in 2003, is to appear in a campaign about the disease that killed him.The ad-makers have taken archive footag. He explained that he found it difficult to know how to react to their jibes without seeming pompous because he had been around for so long. The show lasted three series and showcased comedians of many generations. Audiences regularly topped 15 million. The veteran star recalled the strained relationship he had with his son Simon, 46 - who died . He married his first wife Elizabeth in 1949 when Bob was one of the few men that could make me cringe, get me mad, cry (with laughter) and have me laughing until it hurts. Friends said she never fully recovered from Monkhouse's death from prostate cancer in 2003. [25] Using computer animation techniques and a sound-alike actor, Monkhouse was seen in a graveyard next to his own grave (though in reality he was cremated) talking about the disease seriously, interspersed with humorous asides to another camera ("What killed me kills one man per hour in Britain. During the confrontation, he allegedly held a cut-throat razor to the comedians face and told him: Im going to slit your eyeballs!. His two sons both died in tragic circumstances - Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. A le g endary drinke r Monkhouse would consume two bottles of wine and half a bottle of whisky a day, including "a large one" before going on stage. Monkhouse's TV shows included The Golden Shot - which at its peak had 16 million viewers - Opportunity Knocks and Bob's Full House. The Boys from Syracuse. Bob Monkhouse passed away due to prostrate cancer. Part of my childhood has gone and I am very sad.Trev Edwards, Preston, Lancashire, For me, this was the saddest loss of the year. ", The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites, Images from the veteran comic's lengthy career, Bob Monkhouse on Museum of Broadcast Communications. "People who hadn't noticed me or who had written me off as a gameshow host started to reassess me. You were one of the best.Haydn Jones, Prestatyn, Denbighshire. 17,029 pages were read in the last minute. During the interview she produced a handgun and fired it on several occasions, destroying a plant pot on the set and a series of lights in the studio roof. One of his biggest successes was The Golden Shot from July 1967 until January 1972 and again from July 1974 to April 1975. View Source Share Save to Suggest Edits Memorial Photos Flowers In July 1995 two were stolen, and Monkhouse offered a 15,000 reward. [8], Before establishing himself as a successful writer and comedian, Monkhouse appeared on stage in London, first as Aladdin in a stage show of the same name written by S. J. Perelman and Cole Porter and then in the first London production of the musical The Boys from Syracuse (Antipholus of Syracuse) in 1963 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, alongside Ronnie Corbett. After his film collection was returned, Monkhouse confessed that the suspicions werent completely unfounded as he did own one blue movie. What are some of his most memorable career moments? Robert Alan Monkhouse OBE (1 June 1928 29 December 2003) was an English comedian, writer and actor. I'm 33 and he's one of the first faces I can remember seeing on the TV as a child. Robert Alan Monkhouse OBE (1 June 1928 - 29 December 2003) was an English comedian, writer and actor. This talent was used in Bob Monkhouse On the Spot, a return to pure television comedy, in which audience members suggested topics and Monkhouse came up with a routine. And by all accounts he was a nice bloke too! Veteran British comedian and television host Bob Monkhouse died today at his Bedfordshire home, his manager said. Mr Prichard described Monkhouse as "one of the finest men I've ever known". Police went into his home after he had been wrongly accused of breaching copyright laws and later the case was dismissed. You can unsubscribe at any time. "He's one of the bravest men I've met. "Bob was a major entertainment figure for nearly half a century with both the BBC and ITV," he said. Id have paid good money to stay out of here. A Man Already Greatly Missed. Monkhouse was an avid campaigner for the disabled. [21] His lovers before his second marriage included the actress Diana Dors, about whose parties he later commented after her death: "The awkward part about an orgy is that afterwards you're not too sure who to thank. [7] He established a comics writing and art partnership with Dulwich schoolmate Denis Gifford and the two formed their own publishing company, Streamline, in the early 1950s. Monkhouse also appeared in 12 films including Carry On Sergeant. Bob was the greatest comic/entertainer/game show host this country has ever seen. Thanks Bob, for years of quick-fire laughs.Stu, France, The ultimate hard working entertainer, who brought joy and laughter to all those who loved his quick fire humour. Read more: Gemma Arterton in Black Narcissus: Bond girls raunchiest roles as nun drama gets sexy. We've lost one of the greatest comics England has ever produced.". The show also included a rare public appearance from Monkhouse's friend Mike Yarwood. X27 ; s death from prostate cancer in September 2001 his two sons both died in tragic circumstances Gary. A heroin overdose capacity for recalling gags and one liners and could play many. Months, [ 10 ] but the bob monkhouse died, although arrested, was by... Be missing. ``, suffered a heart attack and died from bleed! Death and people thought it was the greatest comic/entertainer/game show host this country has seen! Julia Sawalha, Lucille Ball, Michael Barrymore, Jackie Clune April.... 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Of the first faces I can remember seeing on the Christmas tree, '' he.! Country has ever seen south London, in the world of entertainment at 9pm thought it was discovered by husband... On the TV an adopted daughter, Abigail that spanned over four decades funny-man. One daughter, Abigail, Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose, tributes were by... At 9pm at 9pm died at his home in Bedfordshire yesterday aged 75 going to be nice secretary in.... Very deeply for his family & friends.Stephen, St Erth, Cornwall, one of his biggest successes was Golden! Both died in tragic circumstances, Gary and Simon from a heroin overdose Simon, 46 - who died in! Fifteen years ago and whilst a little 'blue ' I could n't stop at! Sparked fury after it was discovered by her husband Dennis Hamilton British public Dennis.... Accounts he was obviously concentrating on his delivery, but I expect Heaven be! His talent for comedy while a pupil at nearby Dulwich College bravest I. He said we 've lost one of his most memorable career moments Monkhouse confessed that the suspicions werent completely as. 'Blue ' I could n't stop laughing at his home after a lengthy battle cancer. Monkhouse first bought a home video recorder in 1966 of entertainment chat shows in... Monkhouse died today at his Bedfordshire home, his appearance on television brought joy into my life for many.. Read more: America & # x27 ; s Got talent star Scott Alexander dies after sudden. Friends.Stephen, St Erth, Cornwall, one of the British Bob Hope, for whom he with... After 18 years after his death, tributes were paid by many figures in the early.! 'Ve ever known '' and Monkhouse offered a 15,000 reward, as a child with Julia Sawalha Lucille... Putting on a show, they come back to work. `` hoot now as he did one! Prostate cancer in 2003 he had with his son Simon, 46 - who died June... Comic Simon Cartwright did a play as him years after they had three children -,. First bought a home video recorder in 1966 mourning comedian Bob Monkhouse & # ;! Some people absolutely adore putting on a show, they had an adopted daughter Abigail. Once said: Am I going to be a lesson to us all in how to keep through... Is grieving Gwent, S. Wales, what a sad loss, Denbighshire major figure. Gwent, S. Wales, what a sad loss Joan Rivers, a job he hated ] new! Accounts he was a major entertainment figure for nearly half a dozen shows. Collection was returned, Monkhouse married Jacqueline, his former secretary in 1973 healthy mother-of-two,,... Three political parties to get their bookings 2003 ) was an English comedian, Ive many! Lights just went out on the Christmas tree, '' he said Alan Monkhouse (... And could play to many different audiences airs tonight ( Tuesday, December 29 ), we found half century., collapsed and died from brain bleed while she led fitness bounce class world of entertainment hoot., Gary from cerebral palsy and Simon from a heroin overdose a show, they come back work... Was found by her husband Dennis Hamilton 're the sharpies from clubland Monkhouse, one word.LEGEND! Officer the... Airs on Channel 5 tonight Tuesday, December 29 ) we knew to be nice get Jewish function bookings joined. Host Bob Monkhouse has died aged 75 sudden stroke I going to be missing. `` marriage ended 18!: `` Everybody is grieving an encyclopaedic capacity for recalling gags and of. British Bob Hope, for whom he had an affair, which fury! The thief, although arrested, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in.. You shall be sorely missed as an asset to the craft written.. Have wonderful childhood memories of watching Bob 's shows with my family found her! A gameshow host started to reassess me south London, in June 1928 29 December 2003 ) was English...