New series for Gold

The Gold TV channel is to make a three-part documentary about Bob Monkhouse.

The Million Joke Man, which will air in 2015, looks at the 60-year career of the comic, who meticulously catalogued thousands of jokes in 12 handwritten and illustrated books.

Presenter Paul O'Grady will be examining the books in the hour-long shows, which also include previously unseen footage and interviews with fans and colleagues.

The general manager of Gold, Steve North said: ‘Bob Monkhouse is a true great of British comedy. He was often seen as just a presenter and host but really he was a great stand-up first and foremost. Bob was a prolific writer, so it is incredibly exciting to have gained access to the enormous volume of work that he produced and it is a privilege for Gold to have the opportunity of crafting a show around these tomes.’

Monkhouse died in 2003, at the age of 75.

Commissioning editor Simon Lupton added: ‘I’ve always been fascinated by how Bob seemed to have a joke for every occasion, and when I saw the books I realised that it was the result of the hard work of a genius. These books are an extraordinary legacy and a compelling insight into one of the finest comedians this country has ever produced.

‘We are very privileged that Bob's family and the person Bob entrusted the books to, Colin Edmonds, have for the first time granted such access to the books and his extensive archive.’

Published: 9 Dec 2014