A DAD’S Army and Hi-de-Hi star has ripped into ‘woke’ sitcoms and comedies and revealed exactly what bosses have to do to revive the genre.
Jeffrey Holland shot to fame for his iconic role as Spike Dixon in Hi-de-Hi throughout the eighties.
Jeffrey pictured with his wife and actress Judy Buxton[/caption]
The TV legend played the role of Private Walker in the Dad’s Army Stage Show[/caption]
The actor played the character for nine series before the sitcom was brought to an end in 1988.
Jeffrey, now 78, will reflect on his decades long career in his new book The First Rule of Comedy.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun about comedies and sitcoms on air today, he said the genre is declining over a lack of live audiences.
The TV star explained: “There aren’t any. They don’t use a studio audience. Mrs Brown’s Boys does, you see. That’s why I love that show.
“Because he plays to them in the studio, and we know exactly what he’s getting up to when mistakes are made. He keeps them in. I love it. The principle of it.
“But you see, the studio audience are there to help the audience at home watching TV to know what’s funny and when to laugh.
“They laugh. There’s nothing wrong with that. It’s not cueing them in because they’re stupid. It’s just seeing them, it’s just cheering them along with the atmosphere of the show as it was being made in the studio that night.”
Jeffrey added: “You have to think too hard these days.
“We just don’t have the production values anymore that we had then. They’re different. It’s different.”
‘Woke’ debate
Jeffrey added that he thinks writing for sitcoms being overhauled is also contributing to their decline.
He explained: “First of all, we’re not getting the writers.
“And it’s a different world we live in now from the world we lived in then. And some things aren’t considered to be as funny. They’re just considered to be corny.
“You know, in modern terms. It’s natural. It’s a shame, but it’s natural. But they make these programs with what they think are funny gags in it.”
When quizzed on ‘wokeness’ in comedy, Jeffrey replied: “It’s just a question of giving priorities to the wrong emphasis, I think, somehow with woke and all that.”
Throughout his career Jeffrey has had a number of guest appearances in legendary shows such as Dad’s Army, Are You Being Served, Crossroads and Oh, Doctor Beeching!.
He also played the role of Private Walker in the Dad’s Army Stage Show, where he was first introduced to Jimmy Perry and David Croft, the creators of Hi-De-Hi.
In 2011 Jeffrey guest starred in Coronation Street, arriving in Weatherfield for a brief appearance as Clive Drinkwater.
Jeffrey Holland: The First Rule of Comedy is available from February.
Best 80s sitcoms
We take a look at some of the best sitcoms to air on TV in the 80s.
The Simpsons
This satirical depiction of life in the US was developed by Matt Groening, James L. Brooks, and Sam Simon. It first launched in 1989 and has been going ever since as viewers tune in to see the antics of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie and the rest of the Springfield residents. With over 35 series making it onto the television airwaves, it has become one of the most famous and long-running television shows in history.
Only Fools And Horses
Widely accepted as one of the best British sitcoms of all time, Only Fools and Horses has made viewers laugh for decades. Seven series of the show were made for the BBC One from 1981 for ten years. Set in working-class Peckham, it starred Sir David Jason in his most famous role as the infamous market trader Derek “Del Boy” Trotter. Nicholas Lyndhurst starred as his younger half-brother, Rodney Trotter. In 2004, it was voted as Britain’s Best Sitcom in a BBC poll.
Full House
The US sitcom Full House was created in 1987 with Bob Saget starring father-of-three Danny Tanner. After his wife died, he called in the help of his brother-in-law Jesse (John Stamos) and best friend Joey (Dave Coulier) to move in and help raise his young daughters, DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), Stephanie (Jodie Sweetin) and Michelle (Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen). After eight series, the show came to an end before Netflix revived the franchise for a spin-off, Fuller House.
Golden Girls
Seven series aired from 1985 until 1992. It followed Four women – who were previously married – moved in together in a shared apartment in Miami. Together, they faced various struggles and encounter comical situations in their daily lives. Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty starred in roles that short them to superstardom.
Cheers
1982 was the year that saw the inception of Cheers. An eclectic group of people from all different paths of life meet at a bar Cheers. The boston boozer sees the group share their experiences as they work and drank at the establishment. It starred the likes of Ted Danson, Shelley Long, Rhea Perlman. Huge names such as Kelsey Grammer, Woody Harrelson and Kirstie Alley also starred in the hit series.
Growing Pains
Dr. Jason Seaver (Alan Thicke) is a psychiatrist who works from home so his wife, Maggie (Joanna Kerns), can resume her career as a journalist. They share three children, Mike (Kirk Cameron), Carol (Tracey Gold), and Ben (Jeremy Miller). This was before their precocious daughter Chrissy (Ashley Johnson) was born. The programme tackled topical issues such as drugs, suicide, peer pressure and alcohol.
