By Isle of Wight Observer
In an exclusive interview with the IW Observer’s Richard Priest, Melvyn Hayes, star of stage, screen and TV, recounted his memories of VE-Day 1945. He talks about hearing bells chime for the first time at the end of the War in Europe – when they no longer warned of an invasion, and his post-war experience of issuing ration books for the council until rationing was lifted in the mid-1950s.
With the BBC recently screening ‘Summer Holiday’, the sprightly 90-year-old spoke of working over 60 years ago with Cliff Richard and the Shadows, on the three films, which included Wonderful Life and The Young Ones. Melvyn also shared anecdotes of working with stars in the early days of television, and how he was able to combine careers across different media.
Talking about his role as Bombardier ‘Gloria’ Beaumont, in BBC TV sitcom, ‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’, he reveals the first choice for the effeminate character was John Inman. He also describes bumping into celebrities, such as Sir John Gielgud, in the Beeb’s canteen, the comic creativity of the time and his friendship with late Islander, Raymond Allen, who wrote ‘Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em’.
Melvyn also gave some unique insights into his forthcoming autobiography, ‘It Ain’t Half Late Mum’ which has taken him 31 years to write. He is still working in his “amazing” career, recently starring with Lee Mack, in ‘Not Going Out’, and the Christmas edition of ‘Would I Lie To You’, highlighting the enduring affection in which he is held.
Talking about being a King Rat, in the Grand Order of Water Rats, Melvyn gave a rare glimpse into the charitable side of his life, which included helping young people as a foster parent with his wife Jayen: something the Grand Order recognised by recently holding a special birthday luncheon in his honour. He also described what a wonderful welcome he always found at Shanklin Theatre, where he is still a patron.
He took the opportunity to thank the Isle of Wight for giving him 15 years of “wonderful pleasant times”.
The interview can be heard at iw.observer/melvyn-hayes.
Mal Butler