Ken, Harry, Rocky and Laura made a special appearance during the Nottingham festivities at the BBC Children In Need 1990.
Friday, November 23rd 1990 was the first year that Nottingham played host to the BBC’s annual ‘Children In Need’ telethon appeal. The main festivities were held in the Old Market Square and around 7pm, they started with a bang as BBC Radio 1 DJ Simon Mayo descended SAS style down the Council House along with a troop of paratroopers.
35,000 people crammed into the Old Market Square to join in the fun and to mix with celebrities such as the late Kevin Lloyd (The Bill), Michelle Collins (EastEnders) and the zany Rustie Lee (TV-AM). Rustie Lee in particular took centre stage and whipped the crowd up into a near frenzy with her incessant belly laugh. At one stage she foolishly shouted “Gimme your money” and was pounded with a barrage of coins.
Unfortunately for Rustie, she was unable to refrain from laughing even as the coin throwing got way out of hand. Despite her appeals for help, nobody took it seriously as she was still chortling away! Eventually every belly laugh was accentuated with an ear piercing scream and officials realised she was in genuine distress and decided she needed dragging to safety!
At some time around 9pm an announcement was made. A ‘heist’ was taking place and some vital Children In Need funds were being stolen! Fortunately, Crawford Boon Security saved the day! All four principal characters took to the stage and apprehended the culprit. Although the appearance was brief it went down a storm.
When they left the stage I was fortunate enough to dodge the large ensemble of minders and to get to speak with all four actors. Michael Elphick and Neil Morrissey were a real joy to meet. Sadly, David Daker was somewhat preoccupied having noted the distinct lack of organisation at the event and who can blame him? Even Rocky could have done better! Most notable of all though was Elizabeth Carling who was pleased to agree to my cheeky request for a kiss. In exchange I donated all my remaining cash to a very worthy cause.
Gary Leeke
© Gary Leeke, 10 February 1999
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