Prior to 1992 I had been lucky enough to receive two replies from Frankie Howerd. This came about through writing to him at two different addresses. On both occasions I received signed photos and a letter.

Then at the beginning of 1992 I acquired a 10x8 photo from Carry On Doctor featuring Frankie. I decided to send it to him to see if he would sign it for me.

Sadly around Easter time Frankie died and I forgot all about the photo I had sent! Then one day in July a large envelope fell through the letterbox. I opened it and pulled out a letter from Frankie's agent. They said that they were returning my photograph and apologised for the long delay in getting it back to me. This was a very kind act as I hadn't expected to see it again.

The real shock came when I pulled the photo out of the envelope and realised for the first time that Frankie Howerd had actually signed it. It must have been one of the last photos he signed before he died and must have been left for some months on his desk. To date this is the only autograph that I have received 'from beyond the grave'.

Rest in peace Frankie and titter ye not!

 This page was last updated    26 July 2003