Brian Wilde: Last News

Royal Family, especially The Queen, are reportedly a "big fan" of the hit BBC comedy series Last of the Summer Wine.The BBC show which debuted in 1973, centered around a trio of older men and their youthful misadventures and starred: Brian Wilde, Bill Owen and Peter Sallis.Channel 5 viewers were recently transported back in time when the broadcaster aired a special documentary about the comedy series called Last Of The Summer Wine: 30 Years of Laughs.The documentary hinted that a comedy sketch from the show went down a treat with The Queen Mother and The Queen.Jonathan Linsley, who played 'Crusher' Milburn on the show, recalled brushing shoulders with royalty.The actor explained he received confirmation the Queen was a fan of the comedy series when he encountered her son Prince Edward.Jonathan explained: "I met Prince Edward and he mentioned that his mum enjoyed Last of the Summer Wine.""She was a big fan," the actor added.The location manager for the series, Sylvia Kendall, revealed that the show was also a hit amongst other members of the Royal Family.Sylvia remarked: "The Queen Mother, she loved Summer Wine and I know the Queen loved Summer Wine."That makes you feel so wonderful, being a part of Last of the Summer Wine and the royalty like it."The hit comedy series gained a large following over the years, having first launched on screens in January 1973.After 40-years of being on air, the show became the longest-running comedy programme in Britain.Viewers were hooked by the show's portrayal of elderly men who get up to comical antics as they tried their best to cling to their youth.However, the hit series eventually drew to a close and aired its final episode in 2010.Roy Clarke, who created the series, said the

BBC sitcom Porridge turns 58 years old this week.The prison based comedy, which starred the late, great Ronnie Barker as prisoner Norman Stanley Fletcher, ran between 1974 and 1977 - even landing its own hit film version in 1979.It starred some of the greatest acting legends, including Richard Beckinsale as Lennie Godber and Brian Wilde as prison guard Mr Barrowclough, as well as cameos from comedy icons including David Jason.READ NEXT: Paul Nicholas says surprise coincidence led him to taking Just Good Friends roleOn the 58th anniversary of the beloved comedy series, Daily Star takes a look at where the cast are now.Ronnie Barker is a TV legend, appearing as prisoner Norman Stanley Fletcher in both Porridge and spin-off series, Going Straight.After landing his first acting roles in theatre productions including Treasure Island and A Midsummer Nights Dream, he landed his big TV break in 1966's The Frost Report.While working on The Frost Report, he met future Open All Hours co-star David Jason, as well as long time comedy partner Ronnie Corbet, who he appeared alongside in The Two Ronnies.Following a long acting career, Ronnie revealed on the chat show Wogan in 1985 that he had decided to retire due to health reasons, but made occasional appearances on TV in shows such as The Two Ronnies Sketchbook.A comedy legend, Ronnie was also awarded a special BAFTA Tribute Award for his contributions to TV in 2004.Away from the limelight, Ronnie was married to Joy Tubb from 1957, with who he welcomed three children called Larry, Adam and Charlotte.Like her famous father, Charlotte is also a talented performer and appeared alongside Ronnie in episodes of Open All Hours, as well as crime series Maigret.However, Ronnie died on October

Patricia Brake has died at the age of 79 after battling cancer.The actress played Ingrid, the daughter of Ronnie Barker’s wise-cracking lag Norman Stanley Fletcher on the hit 1970s prison sitcom.But what do you know about the iconic BBC show? Here Daily Star helps you get your oats by revealing 15 fascinating facts.1. The show was written by comedy legends Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais, who also penned series such as The Likely Lads and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet. A pilot Porridge episode debuted in 1973 followed by the first series in 1974.2.