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Rat's register number: 735. Initiated: 1 April 1984.
Born George Frederick Speight in Thrybergh, South Yorkshire, he originally worked as a miner before a pit accident forced his retirement.
Having performed semi-professionally as a singer around local pubs and clubs, Paul turned professional in the entertainment business in 1969, gradually making the transformation to comedian.
Small television parts followed and he was spotted playing a character role in 'Coronation Street' by Water Rat Curator Jimmy Perry OBE. Jimmy thought Paul would be ideal playing the rogue-ish holiday camp comic Ted Bovis for the new BBC situation comedy series 'Hi-De-Hi' and this led on to Paul achieving national fame in the role's run from 1980 - 88.
Further television included 'You Rang, m'Lord' (1988 - 93), playing Alf Stokes, plus his own series in 1991, 'Very Big, Very Soon'; 'Oh Doctor Beeching' (1995 - 97) as Jack Skinner, and guest parts in shows such as 'Holby City', 'Emmerdale' and 'A Touch of Frost'. He also carried on with theatre work in variety shows and panto.
Paul died in a hospice in Rotherham following a long illness.
He was survived by his three daughters and six grandchildren.
Scribe Rat Mike Martin
Paul Shane
Blue Collar
Rat's register number: 735. Initiated: 1 April 1984.
Born George Frederick Speight in Thrybergh, South Yorkshire, he originally worked as a miner before a pit accident forced his retirement.
Having performed semi-professionally as a singer around local pubs and clubs, Paul turned professional in the entertainment business in 1969, gradually making the transformation to comedian.
Small television parts followed and he was spotted playing a character role in 'Coronation Street' by Water Rat Curator Jimmy Perry OBE. Jimmy thought Paul would be ideal playing the rogue-ish holiday camp comic Ted Bovis for the new BBC situation comedy series 'Hi-De-Hi' and this led on to Paul achieving national fame in the role's run from 1980 - 88.
Further television included 'You Rang, m'Lord' (1988 - 93), playing Alf Stokes, plus his own series in 1991, 'Very Big, Very Soon'; 'Oh Doctor Beeching' (1995 - 97) as Jack Skinner, and guest parts in shows such as 'Holby City', 'Emmerdale' and 'A Touch of Frost'. He also carried on with theatre work in variety shows and panto.
Paul died in a hospice in Rotherham following a long illness.
He was survived by his three daughters and six grandchildren.
Scribe Rat Mike Martin