I can well recall the initial rebuff that Richard Gordon (obituary, 16 August) gave in response to Eamonn Andrews’ ambush for the TV show This Is Your Life in 1974. However, it may not have been just the influence of the writer’s wife that persuaded him to change his mind and join the guests brought in for the live broadcast.
He may also have been told that among the awaiting accolades was a recorded tribute from the US by that legend of the comedy genre, PG Wodehouse. While the author of Doctor in the House received most of the show’s visitors with a sort of dutiful bemusement, he was clearly bowled over by the maestro’s glowing praise.
