Radio and Television Personalities E and F

Shirley Eaton
1937 -

Blonde actress who appeared on Children's TV in 1951 in 'Parent-craft'. Her first straight TV role was in 'The Dance Dress' ans also appeared in 'Great Scott - It's Maynard!' in 1955/56 with Terry Scott and Bill Maynard (both qv). In many films, especially comedies, but notably as the fatally gold-painted girl in 'Goldfinger'.

Wallas Eaton
1917 - 1995

Worked in repertory and made other stage appearances, making his first broadcast in 1946. In radio's 'Take It From Here' providing character voices, and in many TV comedy series including, 'Before Your Very Eyes', 'Hugh And I' and 'Up Pompeii!

Jimmy Edwards
1920 - 1988

Well known for his comedy roles (and his handlebar moustache) in films and on television and a 'Take It From Here' (as Pa Glum) stalwart on radio. 'Whacko!' was a popular hit on TV from 1956 in which he played the headmaster of a fairly dubious public school. Created the radio panel game 'Does The team Think' and in many other radio and TV shows.

Percy Edwards
1908 - 1996

An ornithologist, he made his name with his bird-call and animal impersonations on radio and later on TV. Played Psyche the dog in 'A life Of Bliss' and Percy the Parrot in an episode of 'Dad's Army' and provided the 'voices' for animals in films.

Avril Elgar
1932 - 2021

Actress who has appeared on the stage, radio and TV in a wide variety of roles from drama to comedy and appeared in many popular series from 'Dixon Of Dock Green' to 'George and Mildred'.

John Ellison
?? - 1974

Former journalist who joined the BBC as an announcer in 1940 and later transferred to outside broadcasts. Introduced 'Top Of The Form' on radio and 'In Town Tonight' on television.

Fred Emney
1900 - 1980

Burly, 'upper-class' comedy actor who had his own TV show in the 1950s and frequently appeared wearing a monocle. Made several films and was the star of many West End shows. A former vaudeville performer in the USA he also played the piano.

Franklin Engelmann
1908 - 1972

With the BBC as an announcer and later hosted radio's 'Down your Way', 'Gardeners' Question time' and 'Brain Of Britain'. Original presenter of 'Pick Of The Pops' in 1955.

Arthur English
1919 - 1995

First broadcast in 1949 on both radio and TV. Resident comedian in 'Variety Bandbox' and appeared on 'Workers' Playtime'. Played the Cockney spiv to perfection with his trademark wide-boy hat, pencil moustache and flashy tie. Later in television's 'Are You Being Served'.

(Dame) Edith Evans
1888 - 1976

Famous actress on stage and in films who made frequent broadcasts in plays.

Edward Evans
1914 - 2001

Actor who found fame as Mr Grove in the first BBC TV soap 'The Grove Family'. In many films and TV series' episodes from 'Maigret' to ' The Troubleshooters'.

Norman Evans
1901 - 1962

Popular comic who had his own TV shows 'The Norman Evans Show', 'Evans Abode' and 'Make Yourself At Home'. Appeared in drag as a toothless old woman gossiping with a neighbour 'over the garden wall'.

Robert Farnon
1917 - 2005

Canadian-born conductor, arran-ger and composer who came to the UK after the war and his orchestra broadcast regularly on BBC TV and radio and made many records, many with popular artistes of the day. A composer of light music he also did several film scores and in the 1960s arranged and conducted for top singers including Sinatra and Bennett. His melodies are still heard regularly around the world.

Tony Fayne (1924 - 2009) and David Evans
1922 - 1980

Double act who appeared in 'Variety Bandbox' and 'Calling All Forces' with their own brand of comedy which involved them speaking as one in synchronisation, doing cricket commentaries for example. Later split and Fayne became Norman Wisdom's (qv) straight man.

Lester Ferguson
1917 - 1995

American-born singer who served in the U.S. Army during World War 2 and remained in England afterwards. He sang operatic roles on radio and had his own series 'Your Song Parade'.

George Fierstone
1916 - 2002

Musician who played drums and appeared in BBC's 'Whirligig', a children's prog-ramme of the 1950s.

Robert Flemyng
1912 - 1995

Character actor who appeared on TV in many roles and also had a busy stage career both in the UK and on Broadway.

Cyril Fletcher
1913 - 2005

Radio comedy star of many character voices in 'Thanking Yew' in 1940. Also appeared in TV variety shows,and had his own show on ITV in 1959, and later had a gardening programme, 'Gardening Today'. Perhaps best known for his 'Odd Odes', poetic lines delivered in his distincitvely 'fruity' voice. Also on 'What's My Line' and 'That's Life' with Esther Rantzen not to mention appearing on stage as a pantomime dame.

Ronald Fletcher
1910 - 1996

BBC Home Service announcer following a stint in commercial radio. On the 'Breakfast With Braden' show from 1952.

Rikki Fulton
1924 -2004

Scots-born comedian who also wrote for TV. His appearances at Hogmanay on Scottish TV in 'Scotch and Wry' were a national institution. 'The Adventures of Francie And Josie' (with Jack Milroy) was another big success. A unique comedian who employed the Glasow dialect to great effect.