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Celebrating television's This Is Your Life

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THIS IS YOUR LIFE – Ruth Madoc, actress, was surprised by Eamonn Andrews while recording a sketch for comedian Freddie Starr's television show at the Royalty Theatre in London.

Ruth, who was born in Norwich but was brought up by her Welsh grandmother in Swansea, first worked in theatre after training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, before moving into television, with a notable role in the ITV serial The Life and Times of David Lloyd George.

She appeared in the film version of the musical Fiddler on the Roof in 1971 and the following year had a supporting role in the film Under Milk Wood. In 1980 she was cast as Gladys Pugh - Maplin's chief Yellowcoat - in the popular BBC situation comedy Hi-de-Hi! - a role which made her a household name.

"Eamonn!"

programme details...

• Edition No: 655
• Subject No: 649
• Broadcast date: Wed 28 Nov 1984
• Broadcast time: 8.00-8.30pm
• Recorded: Sat 24 Nov 1984
• Venue: Royalty Theatre
• Series: 25
• Edition: 4
• Code name: Camp

on the guest list...

• Rikki Howard
• Gail Harrison
• Susan Beagley
• Linda Regan
• Laura Jackson
• Julie-Christian Young
• Chris Andrews
• David Webb
• Tony Webb
• Nikki Kelly
• Felix Bowness
• Diane Holland
• Barry Howard
• Su Pollard
• David Griffin
• Jeffrey Holland
• Paul Shane
• Russell Grant
• John Jackson - husband
• Rhys - son
• Lowri - daughter
• Michael - stepson
• Sherry - stepdaughter
• Iris Baker - mother
• George Baker - father
• Stuart Jones
• David Davis
• Megan Jones
• Jimmy Perry
• David Croft
• Simon Cadell
• Lionel Blair
• Bargoed Male Voice Choir
• Etta Williams - grandmother
Filmed tribute:
• Max Boyce

related appearances...

• Paul Shane - Dec 1981
• Russell Grant - Feb 1985
• Jack Douglas - Apr 1985
• Felix Bowness - Jan 1986
• Cliff Morgan - Dec 1988
• Su Pollard - Mar 1989
• David Berglas - Dec 1991
• Maureen Moreland - Jan 1992
• Jill Summers - Feb 1994
• Brian Murphy - Jan 1998
• The Night of 1000 Lives - Jan 2000

production team...

• Researcher: Claire Jenkinson
• Writer: Norman Giller
• Directors: Terry Yarwood, Michael D Kent
• Associate Producer: Brian Klein
• Producer: Malcolm Morris

• names above in bold indicate subjects of This Is Your Life

The Good Life

the sitcom stars

The Night of 1000 Lives

a celebration of a thousand editions

Lionel Blair

Felix Bowness

Max Boyce

David Croft

Paul Shane

Interviews

Ruth Madoc recalls her experience of This Is Your Life in an exclusive interview recorded in May 2017

Screenshots of Ruth Madoc This Is Your Life