'A joyous entertainer and a fascinating man'

BBC Two has announced a major new documentary celebrating the life of  Sir Ken Dodd.

Ken Dodd: How Tickled We Were will be a 75-minute film about the life and work of the man described by many as the last great music hall entertainer before his death in March at the age of 90.

The film will tell Sir Ken’s story from his boyhood growing up in the 1930s in Knotty Ash, through his first professional stage engagement in September 1954 and to his final performance in his home city of Liverpool in December 2017. 

Among the friends and family being interviewed is Sir Ken’s widow, Lady Anne Dodd. She said: ‘When Ken passed away in the spring, I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of affection and love for him not only here in Liverpool but all over the nation.

‘I’m delighted therefore that the BBC has chosen to honour Ken's memory with this special documentary about his life’s work and his unique relationship with the British public.  I’m looking forward to working with the producers on what I anticipate will be a very special film.

Executive producer  Mark Wells added: ‘Nobody added more to the gaiety of our nation over such a long period than Sir Ken Dodd. He was a joyous entertainer, and – when he put the tickling sticks down – a fascinating man. It’s an honour to have the opportunity to share his story with BBC Two’s viewers.’

The programme is being made by the production team behind the feature-length ITV documentary Shut That Door! The Larry Grayson Story and the three-part UKTV series Bob Monkhouse: The Million Joke Man.

The production team has put out a plea for fans who have stories to share about their own memories of Sir Ken Dodd, plus any personal photographs, video footage or memorabilia they may have. To get in touch, please email: doddy@doubleyellow.tv

Ken Dodd: How Tickled We Were  will be broadcast on BBC Two later this year.

Produced by: Double Yellow Television,
Executive producers: Mark Wells and Laurie Mansfield
Producer: Tony Nicholson 
Director: Ian Denyer
Commissioning Editor for the BBC:  Rachel Ashdown

Published: 19 Sep 2018