23 October 1955

For his first This Is Your Life tribute, the comedian - best known for the BBC radio comedy series Ray's a Laugh - was surprised by Eamonn at the BBC Television Theatre.
In the first edition to feature a subject from showbusiness, Ted is greeted by entertainer G H Elliott, who would later become a subject himself.

2 December 1957

The production team made a rare trip out of London to enable Eamonn to surprise the comedian and actor at the Playhouse Theatre in Manchester, where he was currently appearing.
Among those paying tribute to Norman - the star of a string of highly successful film comedies - are magician David Nixon and singer Vera Lynn.

6 October 1958

The comedian and actor - perhaps best known for his role as Pa Glum in the BBC radio comedy series Take It From Here - was surprised by Eamonn at the BBC's Piccadilly Studios in central London.
Jimmy - also famous for playing the headmaster 'Professor' in BBC television's Whack-O! - is greeted by entertainer Harry Secombe and actress June Whitfield.

3 November 1958

Eamonn surprised the comedian and actor - who became a familiar face playing cockney characters in post-war British films - in the audience at the BBC Television Theatre.
The playwright R F Delderfield greets Ronald in the studio, while actress Dora Bryan sends her greetings on film.

11 May 1959

In the only This Is Your Life to have its subject revealed prior to transmission - in the Radio Times, which listed it as the 100th edition - Tommy was surprised by Eamonn while appearing on a live broadcast of George Formby's BBC television show. Singer Elisabeth Welch paid tribute in the studio, while actress and singer Evelyn Laye sent a recorded message.

26 October 1959

The actor, comedian and writer was surprised by Eamonn backstage at the BBC Television Theatre.
Richard became famous for his stage and television comedy character Mr Pastry - a bumbling old man with a walrus moustache - and was the first performer to be known as a 'television star' with his own television series.

28 December 1959

For his first This Is Your Life tribute, the comedian was surprised by Eamonn outside the BBC Television Theatre. Arthur - who rose to fame in the first regular BBC radio comedy series, Band Waggon, and starred in several comedy films during the 1940s - was greeted by fellow comedians Richard Murdoch and Tommy Trinder.

17 April 1961

Surprised by Eamonn outside the BBC Television Centre, Charlie was a comedian and television and radio presenter who became well known in the 1940s through his BBC radio show Stand Easy.
In 1949, the show was adapted for television as The Charlie Chester Show and became a stand-up and sketch show for the next 11 years.

11 December 1961

Eamonn surprised the popular comedian at the London Palladium, where he was discussing plans for the theatre's forthcoming pantomime.
For this - his first This Is Your Life tribute - Charlie was greeted by, among others, pianist Russ Conway and comedians Dick Emery and Bob Monkhouse.

19 February 1962

The comedian and businessman - best known for his popular BBC radio series, Beyond Our Ken - was surprised by Eamonn outside his London flat in Kensington. His co-star from his first hit radio series, Much-Binding-in-the-Marsh, Richard Murdoch, paid tribute, along with actor Kenneth Williams and bandleader Ted Heath, who provided a musical end to the programme.

12 February 1963

Hattie - a prolific television and radio performer - was an original member of the Carry On team with six of the comedies to her credit when Eamonn surprised her at the BBC Television Theatre.
Guests include her television 'brother' Eric Sykes, actors Leslie Philips and Leonard Sachs, entertainer Max Bygraves and a chimpanzee called Rosie!

30 April 1963

The comedian, actor and founding member of the influential BBC radio comedy programme, The Goon Show, was surprised by Eamonn outside the BBC Television Theatre.
Among those paying tribute to Michael are the actors David Tomlinson and Frank Thornton.

7 November 1963

Eamonn and the production team leave their London base and travel north to Manchester to surprise the Yorkshire born comedy actor and comedian at the city's Gaumont cinema.
Fellow comedian and friend Norman Vaughan pays tribute, while entertainer Harry Secombe sends a recorded message.

1 April 1970

The actor and comedian was surprised during the recording of a sketch for the Frost on Sunday programme, which involved a man who believes he is about to be surprised by Eamonn Andrews for This Is Your Life. In a clever twist, Eamonn appears for real and Ronnie is left speechless! His guests include actor Clive Dunn and entertainer Danny La Rue.

16 December 1970

The brothers - who formed a comedy double act and made their first television appearance in 1955 - were surprised by Eamonn during the programme's second series produced by Thames Television.
Among those paying tribute to the brothers are jazz saxophonist John Dankworth and manager of Manchester City FC, Joe Mercer.

27 January 1971

The comedian - best known for his radio work in the 1930s and for his catchphrase 'can you hear me mother?' - was surprised by Eamonn at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios.
Sandy began his career in music hall and his tribute includes contributions from fellow variety performers Hettie King and Wee Georgie Wood.

24 February 1971

Eamonn disguised himself as a cameraman in order to surprise the actor and radio presenter while filming an episode of the ITV sitcom For The Love of Ada on location in London. Yorkshire-born Wilfred - perhaps best known as host of BBC radio show Have A Go, which ran from 1946 to 1967 - was greeted by singer Vera Lynn and actress Beryl Reid.

24 November 1971

The actor and comedian - popular on radio, film and television since the early 1950s - was surprised by Eamonn during the curtain call of the farce Don't Just Lie There Say Something at the Garrick Theatre in London.
Back at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios, Alfred's tribute includes recorded messages from actress Hermione Gingold and actor Peter Sellers.

22 December 1971

Les - a previous winner of ITV's Opportunity Knocks - was surprised by Eamonn at Thames Television's Teddington Studios during the recording of a special Christmas edition of the talent show. The Big Red Book had been wrapped as a present for the comedian to open.
His guests include actress Dora Bryan and Syd Lawrence and his Orchestra.

26 January 1972

The actor, broadcaster, writer and performer, best known for his partnership with composer Donald Swann, was surprised by Eamonn at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios.
Michael - who was confined to a wheelchair due to contracting polio in 1943 - was greeted by, among others, singers Ian Wallace and Val Doonican.

2 February 1972

The former footballer who became a comedian was surprised by Eamonn on the stage of the Batley Variety Club, from where the programme was then broadcast. Among Charlie's guests are footballer Jackie Charlton, cricketer Fred Trueman and his fellow funny men from television's The Comedians, including Frank Carson and Duggie Brown, along with producer Johnnie Hamp.

19 April 1972

Eamonn surprised the actress - well known for her appearances in many radio and television comedy shows - at London's Duke of York's Theatre, during rehearsals for the play Relative Values.
Among those paying tribute are comedians and former This Is Your Life subjects Ted Ray, Charlie Chester and Arthur Askey.

27 December 1972

Eamonn ambushed Larry after recording his Christmas television show at ATV Studios in Borehamwood.
In a glitzy edition for a Christmas broadcast, Larry is greeted by his show business friends - comedy duo Mike and Bernie Winters, entertainer Danny La Rue, singer John Hanson and actress Dora Bryan.

28 March 1973

Eamonn surprised the comedy actor - whose career has covered variety, radio, television and theatre - at an antiques fair at the Earl's Court Exhibition Centre in London. For this, his first This Is Your Life tribute, Leslie is greeted by, among others, actress June Whitfield in the studio, and entertainer Dickie Henderson via a recorded message.

11 April 1973

The comedian, writer and actor - most famous as a co-creator and the main writer of The Goon Show - was surprised by Eamonn during a reunion of his wartime colleagues at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea.
Fellow Goons Harry Secombe and Peter Sellers cause mayhem, while poet Robert Graves - in a recorded message - brings some dignity to the proceedings.

25 December 1974

For Arthur's second tribute, Eamonn sprung from a Humpty Dumpty outfit to surprise the comedian - currently celebrating 50 years in show business - at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios.
For the Christmas Day broadcast the star-studded guest list includes singer Val Doonican, magician David Nixon and actress and singer Gracie Fields.

26 February 1975

For his second tribute the comedian was surprised by Eamonn on the doorstep of his London home in Southgate. The star-studded audience at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios was made up of Ted's friends from the Grand Order of Water Rats, and among those paying tribute are actresses Noele Gordon and Diana Dors.

17 March 1976

Beryl - a talented and successful dramatic actress - was perhaps best known for her comedy characters, heard initially on radio where her skilful comic routines were developed.
Eamonn surprised Beryl in Thames Television's Teddington Studios car park, and her show includes tributes from actresses Pat Kirkwood and Eileen Atkins.

27 October 1976

Frankie was surprised by Eamonn at a book signing in London's Selfridges department store.
The comedian's career covered radio, television and film - including memorable appearances in the Carry On films. Among those paying tribute are singer Cilla Black, and actors Richard Burton, Dora Bryan and Ray Milland.

12 January 1977

The former schoolmaster who became a comedian was surprised on the set of his own television show, when Eamonn sprang as the credits were rolling.
Another Opportunity Knocks success, Bootle-born Tom was greeted on the show by family and ex teaching colleagues, while entertainer Frankie Vaughan sent a recorded message.

16 March 1977

The comedian - most famous for his Odd Odes, which formed a section of the BBC television show That's Life! - was surprised by Eamonn at a branch of Foyles bookshop.
That's Life presenter Esther Rantzen and her team are among Cyril's guests, along with entertainer Nat Jackley and actress Anna Neagle.

22 February 1978

The Welsh comedian and singer was surprised by Eamonn on the pitch of the Glynneath rugby ground following a match. The show was then recorded at the Patti Pavillion in nearby Swansea, where the guests included Ken Dodd and Welsh rugby union fly-half Barry John. Max - a former coal miner - closed his tribute with one of his comedy songs.

26 April 1978

Eamonn was concealed in a pick-up crate in order to surprise the comedy actor - currently appearing in the ITV sketch show What's On Next? at Thames Television's Teddington Studios.
William's colleagues from that show, Barry Cryer and Bob Todd are on the guest list, while actor Brian Rix pays his tribute.

3 May 1978

Richard - best known for his radio work with Kenneth Horne, and for his film and radio appearances with Arthur Askey - was surprised by Eamonn onboard a bus in central London.
Among those paying tribute to the man affectionately nicknamed 'Stinker' are magician David Nixon and actor Jack Warner.

22 November 1978

The star of BBC television's Terry and June was surprised by Eamonn at the unlikely venue of Camberley's Army & Navy Stores, during a promotional appearance with his television screen wife June Whitfield.
Terry's guests include, among others, actors Mollie Sugden, Bill Maynard and Brian Rix.

25 December 1979

The popular comedy actor and writer was treated to the programme's second specially extended Christmas Day edition, when he was surprised by Eamonn at the New London Theatre. Eric – seated unusually on stage left due to his deafness – enjoyed a lively show which included comedy greats Frankie Howerd, Spike Milligan and Tommy Cooper.

23 January 1980

The comedy actress and singer was surprised by Eamonn - with some help from her actor husband Alfred Marks - while riding the ghost train at Chessington Zoo.
Among those paying tribute are actor and comedian Norman Wisdom and television's cookery experts Fanny and Johnny Craddock.

30 April 1980

The comic actor - equally at home in variety, film or pantomime - was surprised by Eamonn at London's Euston Station.
A whole host of variety names pay tribute to Nat, including entertainers Dickie Henderson and Tessie O'Shea in the studio, and comedy actress Beryl Reid on film.

3 December 1980

Famous at the time for her impression of the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, the actress and comedienne was surprised by Eamonn at Thames Television's Euston Road Studios.
Some of the victims of Janet's mimicry skills are part of her guest list – presenter Esther Rantzen, dog-trainer Barbara Woodhouse and Broadway star Carol Channing.

31 December 1980

In a fitting New Year's Eve Hogmanay special, the 'Big Yin' was surprised by Eamonn at Thames Television's Teddington Studios.
The Glasgow born singer and comic - who started his working life as a welder in the shipyards - was greeted via a live link by pop star Elton John, while studio guests include Kenny Everett and Michael Parkinson.

18 February 1981

The comedy actor - well known as a member of the comedy group The Goodies, and for his appearances on numerous television and radio shows - was surprised by Eamonn on the elevators of London's Cunard Hotel. Comedian Spike Milligan, cricketer Denis Compton and members of the Derby County football team are among Tim's guests.

25 February 1981

Eamonn dressed as a Womble to spring the surprise on the affable actor while he was driving a car in central London; and in one heart stopping moment, Bernard took the book and declared 'I'll read the bugger later' gesturing to drive off!
Actresses Dora Bryan and Dinah Sheridan are among those paying tribute.

21 October 1981

The Scottish actor - well known for his roles in such television comedies as The Army Game and Bootsy and Snudge, was surprised by Eamonn at London's Royalty Theatre.
Among the many guests paying tribute are actresses Susan Hampshire and Thora Hird and comedian Tommy Cooper.

11 November 1981

Eamonn is launched - rather unsuccessfully - from a cannon outside London's Theatre Royal Drury Lane in order to surprise the popular comedy double act.
Among those paying tribute to the duo - currently scoring high ratings with their own television show - are This Is Your Life second-timers: actresses Diana Dors and June Whitfield and comedian Charlie Drake.

20 January 1982

The popular comedienne and impressionist was surprised by Eamonn while appearing as a guest on the ITV light entertainment show Game For A Laugh.
Faith - who began her career as a singer before launching her television career on the ITV sketch show Who Do You Do? - is greeted by, among others, comedian Ken Dodd and magician Paul Daniels.

10 February 1982

Eamonn surprised Bob on London's St Martin's Lane in front of a giant version of the set from his hit television game show Celebrity Squares.
Bob's guests on this occasion included entertainer Liberace, and comedians Bob Hope and Max Wall. The comedian would be honoured again in April 2003 with an hour long special edition.

13 April 1983

'Tarby' was honoured with a rare hour long special edition when he was surprised by Eamonn while fronting his successful television variety show, Live From Her Majesty's. A mixture of top sporting and entertainment names pay tribute to television's funny man, including singer Tom Jones, boxer Henry Cooper, golfer Tony Jacklin, entertainer Max Bygraves.

1 February 1984

Eamonn and members of the Royal Irish Rangers descend on Jim's home to ask for a cup of tea. Jim - who had entertained the troops recently in the Falklands - had offered the invitation as a joke!
Among those paying tribute to Jim - who first found fame on television talent show New Faces - are entertainer Danny La Rue and film star Omar Sharif.

15 February 1984

Eamonn surprised the comedy actor in the audience at the Royalty Theatre. The tables were turned as Bob was under the impression the subject was to be comedy writer and comedian Barry Cryer.
Bob appeared as a straight man for Spike Milligan and Benny Hill, and both men appear in person to pay their tribute.

6 February 1985

In one of the most ingenious 'pick-ups' the team has ever plotted, the Belfast born comic was surprised by Eamonn, having just touched down at Heathrow Airport, after sharing a flight together from Dublin.
Eamonn had the Big Red Book in his hand luggage throughout the flight, and sprung the surprise in the arrivals lounge.

10 April 1985

In another unusual 'pick-up' Eamonn arrived by train to surprise Jim in his back garden - the comic and presenter of television's darts game show Bull's Eye - lives in an old converted train station.
The top darts players of the day paid their tribute, along with other guests who included Gary Wilmot, Jimmy Cricket and Jim Davidson.

26 March 1986

The comedian best known as the presenter of the ITV quiz show 321, which included a booby prize known as Dusty Bin, was surprised by Eamonn in London's Covent Garden - with the help of several showbusiness personalities dressed as Dusty Bin!
French singer Sacha Distel and comedian Jimmy Edwards are among the guests.

11 February 1987

For his second This Is Your Life tribute, Norman was surprised by Eamonn in St Margaret's Tavern in Twickenham on the evening of his 72nd birthday.
Many show business names gather to pay tribute and wish Norman a happy birthday, including theatrical agent Billy Marsh, singers The Beverley Sisters and comedian Freddie Starr.

1 April 1987

Eamonn arrived in style on a horse-drawn brewer's dray at Richmond's Orange Tree pub - on the occasion of the 21st anniversary of the London Standard Pub of the Year award - to surprise the actor, cartoonist, comedian and satirist, who is perhaps best known as a co-founder of the satirical magazine Private Eye. Spike Milligan and Barry Cryer are among those paying tribute.

4 November 1987

Jimmy - who's famous for his trademark hat and wellies - was surprised by Eamonn on a central London building site. The show was at risk of being cancelled after Jimmy bumped into his final guest, flown in from Australia, the day before, in a ten million to one chance encounter! Jimmy's guests include comedians Jim Bowen and Roy Hudd.

7 May 1990

In what was billed as the 500th 'Life' produced by Thames Television, and broadcast as an hour-long bank holiday special, Michael surprised the man from Knotty Ash at the London Palladium.
Ken's tribute includes a song and dance with his Diddy Men, and tributes from singer Vince Hill, entertainer Danny La Rue and actor and writer Eric Sykes.

26 December 1990

A Boxing Day special pays tribute to the surviving member of one of Britain's top double acts - surprised by Michael at Thames Television's Teddington Studios. A number of former Morecambe and Wise guest stars pay tribute, including singer Shirley Bassey, and actors Glenda Jackson and Peter Cushing, while Michael reads out a message from Hollywood legend Gene Kelly.

27 November 1991

Bernard was surprised by Michael at his Manchester nightclub - The Embassy - in front of a cheering crowd. Sat next to Bernard during the tribute was his beloved mother, Joan.
Tributes and jokes came from his fellow comedians – Frank Carson, Jim Bowen and Mike Reid, along with comedy duos Little and Large and Cannon and Ball.

23 December 1992

Les was caught by Michael at the curtain call of the pantomime Dick Whittington, on the stage of the Theatre Royal, Plymouth, where the show was then recorded. For his second This Is Your Life tribute, Les was greeted by, among others, entertainer Bruce Forsyth and actor and writer Eric Sykes, while Michael read out a note from HRH Prince Philip.

12 January 1994

Michael donned wellies to surprise the comedy duo at the close of their slightly wet routine at Blackpool's Winter Gardens.
Many names from the world of entertainment and sport pay tribute, including comedians Frank Carson and Jim Davidson, boxer Frank Bruno and footballer Kevin Keegan.

9 November 1994

Just two years after being involved in a car crash which left him with serious head injuries, Leslie was surprised by Michael during a book signing session at London's Selfridges store.
Appearing on the programme - his second This Is Your Life tribute - are actress June Whitfield, and actors Ronnie Barker and Matthew Kelly.

16 November 1994

The comic turned actor - who had spent a long stint in the television soap opera Eastenders - was surprised by Michael following a gig at the Lakeside Country Club in Surrey.
The cast of Eastenders, led by Barbara Windsor, boxer Nosher Powell and fellow comedian Frank Carson are among those paying tribute.

15 February 1995

Michael surprised Spike on the concourse of London's Euston station - his response being: "Well I've been dead 10 years!"
For his second This Is Your Life tribute, Michael updates his story with the help of guests which include writer Johnny Speight, actor and comedian Barry Humphries, and actor and writer Eric Sykes.

1 November 1995

Michael dressed as a policeman to surprise Charlie at the curtain call of Ray Cooney's farce Funny Money at London's Playhouse Theatre.
Among the guests on Charlie's second This Is Your Life tribute are theatre producer Bill Kenwright, comedy duo Cannon and Ball and comedian Jim Davidson.

8 November 1995

Surprised by Michael at the end of a comedy show in Blackpool's Paradise Rooms, the Liverpudlian comic was then decamped to Manchester, where the show was recorded. Stan's guests in the studio include the producer of television's The Comedians, Johnnie Hamp, while comedy actor Norman Wisdom send a recorded message.

15 November 1995

Michael gate crashed a second comedy show in as many weeks, when he surprised the comic and football pundit at the London Palladium, where Frank's tribute was then recorded.
Among the guests are actor and writer Steve Coogan, presenter Jonathan Ross, actress Paula Wilcox and Basil Brush!

17 February 1997

The comedian and actor - best known for his impressions with comedy partner Dustin Gee on the television series Russ Abbot's Madhouse - was surprised by Michael at the studios of ITV's Central Television in Nottingham while presenting the gameshow Family Fortunes, which he had fronted since 1987. Comedians Ken Dodd and Freddie Starr are among the guests.

22 September 1997

Michael surprised the comedian and actor on his 50th birthday - during a game of golf on the Wentworth Golf Course. Friends and colleagues from show business and sport gather at London's Langham Hotel to pay tribute - among them are entertainer Bruce Forsyth, comedians Bob Monkhouse and Roy Walker and footballer Pat Jennings.

21 September 1998

The Belfast-born stand-up comedian was surprised by Michael while recording an edition of the popular television game show Catchphrase - which he had presented since 1986 - at Carlton TV Studios in Nottingham. Roy's guests include comedians Frank Carson and Bernard Manning, snooker player Dennis Taylor and singer-turned-politician Dana.

21 February 2000

The comedian - who began his working life as a doctor - was surprised by Michael at Thames Television Teddington Studios following the recording of his Channel 4 sketch show. Actress Wendy Craig and comedian Frank Skinner send recorded messages, while actor Todd Carty and comedian Ronnie Corbett pay their tributes in person in the studio.

31 January 2002

In a heart stopping moment, the television wildlife expert and former member of the comedy team The Goodies, flatly refused Michael's surprise invitation delivered at the Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust.
However, Bill was persuaded to take part and among those paying tribute are journalist and presenter David Frost and botanist and broadcaster David Bellamy.

23 April 2003

Michael surprised the comedian, for his second tribute, at the BBC Television Centre for a mid-series extended edition of the show.
Such is the breadth of Bob's story two Big Red Books are needed, the second one delivered midway through the show by comedian Joe Pasquale. Other guests include actress June Whitfield and comedian Bob Hope.