RIP Humph

[Penners]

Sad, sad, sad news about the death of dear old Humphrey Littleton.

I suppose one could argue this isn't really a valid topic for this forum, but I reckon Humph was every bit as much part of our heritage as, say, St Pancras. He's been around forever, and should have been listed Grade 1. I for one will miss him hugely - both his jazz programme on Radio 2 and particularly on I'm Sorry I haven't A Clue.

Nobody else could have got away with the incredible double-entendres that he managed. He even put the Carry On films in the shade.

Contrary to rumour, he was not the same Humphrey Littleton who was involved in the Gunpowder Plot. He was born a few years after that event.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/clue/article/humph.shtml

 

[Nemesis]

Two of us here in shock too - the thought of no more of him on 'I'm Sorry...' is - well, our lives have been enriched by his presence in our homes via the airwaves for more years than I can recall.

He was 86, a 'good innings', I suppose, but we had hoped he would go on forever.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7367385.stm

He took the long route to Mornington Crescent, sideways rules, but he will be such a miss.

http://www.mornington-crescent-rule.fsnet.co.uk/mornington-crescent-rules.htm

 

[Penners]

I wonder whether the BBC will continue with ISIHAC. I just can't imagine it without Humph.

 

[Nemesis]

Well at the moment nor can I - but there are possible successors in similar mould.

Graham Norton? Julian Clary?

Maybe someone will come forward and although it won't be the same, it will survive. I'm sure that's what Humph would wish.

 

[Moo]

Having seen Mr Clary on Have I Got News for You yesterday evening, I don't think he'd be up to the job. Nobody would, come to think of it.
Apparently ISIHAC has been going since the early 1970s, so why not simply give the whole series another airing?

Or - in the true spirit of conservation, one could possibly replace like-for-like by moving members of the team into Humph's chair whilst trying out new team members on a week-by-week basis.

ps
Is there such a thing as Grade 1* ? If there is, Humph deserves it.

 

[Penners]

Don't miss a repeat of a "classic" episode of ISIHAC (is there any other kind?) on Radio 4 tomorrow (Sunday 26th), 12 noon.

And yes, Moo, let's hope for lots more repeats.

But I can't think of anyone else who could chair it. Not even Barry Cryer (although perhaps he comes closest).

 

[Nemesis]

I don't think that was Mr C at his best - he can be very funny in his own quiet and rather rude way. I think the trouble with HIGNFY is the scripts for the presenters, who are intended to seem hapless.

I can think of others - all different, but who could carry it on.

It's more than those taking part - some have departed before - it's a national institution.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/clue/article/willie.shtml

(PS I still miss Linda Smith from radio - another national treasure who departed far too early.)

 

[Moo]

I suspect that a lot of the show's appeal came from the group dynamics. Apparently they just enjoyed one anothers' (*) company and we were privileged to be allowed to eavesdrop.

(*) Where on earth does the apostrophe go there?

 

[Nemesis]

The company of one another.

one another's company.

I think.

But the group did change after the wonderful Willie went along the dark passageway to - wherever he is now.

I'm sure there's a rude joke there somewhere.

 

[Penners]

I'm sure there's a rude joke there somewhere.

And of course, what will the lovely Samantha do, now that she can no longer sit on Humph's right hand?

 

[Nemesis]

Oh Grimmers, where art though ...

 

[caliwag]

I really hope that you are being cynical re the Cleary/Norton post...they have no chance, being not remotely amusing. Bit like trying to replace John Peel...nobody has, nor could do. No just have a year or two's reruns and wait for something new. :twisted:

 

[Nemesis]

Actually, while I think Norton has sold out, I like Cleary - or used to.

But Fanny the Wonder Dog I suspect is now long gone.

 

[Moo]

just have a year or two's reruns and wait for something new.

Only a year or two's? What about the other thirty or so?

 

[caliwag]

No indeed, I'd love to think that R4 will honour the man with many many, nae many many many repeats.

 

[chuckey]

Hmmmmmmmm. So Now that Humph has gone, what ever dirt Colin had blackmailed him with, is no valid, so I reckon that Colin will have to return to a job more in keeping with his musical talent.
Frank

 

[Flyfisher]

I woke up to a glorious spring morning to hear the very sad news about Humph and I really did feel as if a friend had died. Quite odd really.

I went to see him and the ISIHAC team only a couple of months ago at the Corn Exchange in Cambridge and he was every bit as good as expected, as were the rest of the team. He played out the show with a mean trumpet as well, to a standing ovation.

I'm sure they'll find a replacement host for ISIHAC, but they'll never find a replacement for Humph.

 

[biffvernon]

And I see that the train of eternity has finally pulled in to Mornington Crescent.

 

[Penners]

No indeed, I'd love to think that R4 will honour the man with many many, nae many many many repeats

I agree, caliwag. I also agree with you about Cleary and Norton. Ubercamp is just not the slightest bit funny.

 

[Penners]

And I see that the train of eternity has finally pulled in to Mornington Crescent.

Brought to a sudden halt by the buffers of fate.