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 Tiswas © 1974 ATV Network Limited, © 2004 Granada Media . This is a non-profit site intended for education about the British televison series Tiswas. This site acknowledges all copyrights and presents material under the 'Fair Use' clause of international copyright law, for the purpose of review. . |
Flan these folks A look at the various characters who populated studio 3. This is just a work in progress at the moment... Phantom Flan Flinger (Helen Piddock/Jim Davidson/Benny Mills) A mischevious evil fiend, created by producer Glyn Edwards purely to offset the criticisms of ATV's management who thought that the presenters throwing pies and water around was setting a bad example to kids. Dressed entirely in black, the Phantom's identity was never revealed while Tiswas was on air, but the presenters always tried to unmask him with unsuccessful results. The Phantom was initially played by ATV researcher Helen Piddock, who usually worked behind the scenes on Tiswas, and had written a few of their tie-in books. In the 1970s, controversial comedian Jim Davidson donned the black costume, something he is very proud of, although we are told it only happened for one show, as his tattooed arm was visible, revealing his identity. Due to some union dispute, on a day when Helen was expected to climb into the black leotard, Benny Mills was quickly drafted into, and stayed in that role permanently right until the shows demise. As Tiswas climbed to its peak, the Phantom gained a family - a wife - Flanderella - and a kid - Baby Bucket Bunger. Although on some occasions there would be multiple baby bucket bungers. By the final series, they had given the Phantom more relatives, each on a country theme. There was a Scottish Phantom (complete with stereotypical tartan drapes), a nod towards India with the Champion Chappati Chucker, and the most non-PC of the lot was a German one in a spiked Luftwaffe pilot helmet. Albert Grumble (John Gorman) When he was told off by ATV management for having the presenters always throwning muck at each other, producer Glyn Edwards came up with the Phantom Flan Flinger character to act as a villain character, keeping the mess on screen while portraying that pie-throwing is a very bad and naughty thing indeed. Excellent move, I'm sure you'll agree, and it appears the Phantom had to have a Ying to his Yang, in the form of John Gorman's Albert Grumble. This was an excellent comic creation for what must have been the messiest show in TV history - Albert was the studio cleaner! As such, he would be in a permanent bad mood and furious with anyone involved with the making of Tiswas, always heckling and interrupting messy scenes. Of course the inevitable response to such interruptions was to have him flanned. John really played this part well. His rants could go on for ages without hesitation - "I was in three world wars and this is how you treat me!?". David Bewwamy (Lenny Henry) "The most physically inappropriate person to play such a character" said Chris Tarrant of Lenny's decision to impersonate environmental expert David Bellamy. Always wheeled out as Chris' comic foil for Compost Corner ("Compost Corner!"), and getting all that wuvly manure everywhere. This is the stuff! Houdi Elbow (Bob Carolgees) The character came out of nowhere, with a half-Brummie half-Scouse accent. This was the token 'thickie' character, showing that Bob Carolgees could be known for more than just a spitting canine. Clad in pyjamas, with his name upon some strange bandage/headgear, Houdi Elbow would usually tell a long 'shaggy dog' story to Chris with the pay off being a rather weak punchline. The longer the joke, the funnier it is! Houdi also claimed to be mystical and spiritual, but had little success with this. He was known more for his zany shaky-head pointy-finger dance during the Tiswas Disco. Incidentally, "Houdi Elbow" is a pun based on Houdini, which not everyone has worked out yet! Smello (John Gorman) Basically, John Gorman in a string vest and tatty clothes, while exhibiting some very disgusting personal habits. Also had a rather nerdy voice too. Top marks for some apparent method acting, as TiswasOnline team member Andrew Wooding writes: "I was in the Tiswas audience when Smello made an appearance, and I can vouch that Smello really did smell badly. What did John Gorman use to make himself smell so awful as Smello?" |
  
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