This episode, we present part II of our conversation with leading UK author, publisher, podcaster and television historian, Oliver Crocker . In part one, we discussed his acclaimed book on the iconic BBC television series, All Creatures Great and Small. This time, we focus on his ongoing success, The Bill Podcast, according to Listen Notes in the top 1.5 % worldwide, and Oh, What a Lovely Memoir, the autobiography of actor Larry Dann, edited by Oliver and published by Devonfire Books.
Born in 1941, Larry Dann worked as a child actor in movies, which included a brush with Hollywood Royalty, was part of Joan Littlewood’s theatre workshop, worked with David Niven, and appeared in several Carry On movies, but became a household name on television as Sgt Alec Peters in one of the most popular and influential police shows of all, The Bill.
We talk a little more about the Carry Ons, and a fascinating series currently running for Oliver’s podcast subscribers, The Evidence Room, where Oliver takes us deep behind the scenes of of The Bill, thanks to an extensive archive of never before seen production documents and correspondence, provided exclusively by The Bill’s long serving production scheduler, Nigel Wilson.
Find additional background, images and links to further reference at this episode's webpage;https://dec4podcast.com/2025/06/03/oliver-crocker-behind-the-scenes-of-the-bill-larry-danns-lovely-memoir-a-right-carry-on/
Clarification:
Regarding a point made during the podcast about Joan Sims’ health and financial situation in her declining years, there are conflicting reports about whether or not Carry On producer Peter Rogers did, in fact, provide assistance. Some reports claim that Joan Sims’ request, either made personally or by her friend Liz Frazer depending on the source, was refused.
Although not referencing Joan Sims specifically, in 2009 Julie Carpenter wrote in the Daily Express;
“…Further contradicting Rogers’s tight-fisted image is the fact that he could be charitable. He provided homes for redundant pit ponies, helped guide dogs for the blind (he loved his Alsatians) and continued to be sympathetic to old colleagues in need of help and advice. Leslie Phillips always said he was “very fond” of Rogers and called him an “amazing man”…”
2 hrs and 49 mins
3 mins
Jun 2 202550 mins
9 mins
3 mins
1 min