I hadn't realised that the comic actor Hugh Lloyd had a double connection with journalism until I read his obituary in today's Daily Telegraph. I knew he was married to the former People investigative journalist, the delightful Shän Davies, but it also transpires that Lloyd's first job was as a cub reporter with the Chester Chronicle.
How about this irony: "My father was dead against the stage. He thought it was too insecure and persuaded me into journalism instead."
Evidently, most of Lloyd's newspaper career was spent reviewing local theatrical performances, and when he began putting on his own amateur productions he reported those as well. "I never had such good reviews again," he admitted. "I was forever drawing attention to myself as 'this promising young comedian'."
Eventually, he left the paper and became a full-time comic. It was journalism's loss and, years later, Tony Hancock's gain. Lloyd was brilliant as his underdog sidekick in the Hancock's Half Hour series. I do love obits.
