Bernard Manning

Bernard Manning, one of Britain's most controversial comedians, died this afternoon at the age of seventy-six.

In a creepy twist of fate I was watching the Tiswas special on Saturday night and there was a clip of where a strongman was trying to lift Manning and Big Daddy on a bar with both of the men on either side.

The man failed to lift the two Northerners and even ended up hurting himself on live television. Bernard Manning even split his trousers during the failed attempt at lifting as the comedian and wrestler were both dropped to the ground.

I haven't seen Manning on television in years. The most likely reason is because his act had become politically incorrect.

It was not unusual to hear him call up the James Whale radio show on Talk Sport while travelling home from his gigs.

I am sure James Whale will hold a celebration in his memory on tonight's show at ten o'clock.