Titter ye not: David Walliams set to play comedy idol Frankie Howerd - Showbiz - Evening Standard
       

Titter ye not: David Walliams set to play comedy idol Frankie Howerd

Little Britain star David Walliams is following in the footsteps of iconic English comedian Frankie Howerd.

The 36-year-old will play the late comedy great in BBC Four's new drama Frankie Howerd: Rather You Than Me.

David said: "I have been a lifelong fan of Frankie and his work.

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David Walliams will play his idol Frankie Howerd in a new BBC show

"I even managed to get an autograph after one of his shows.

"Playing him is a dream role. In fact, Matt Lucas and I first bonded as comedians over a shared love for Frankie Howerd impressions."

Howerd, who died in 1992, shot to fame playing a variety of camp roles in the Carry On series.

In 1955 he met waiter Dennis Heymer, who later became his manager and partner - and who is played by Timothy Spall's son Rafe in the new drama.

Walliams recently faced heartbreak after losing his beloved father, Peter, to liver cancer just before Christmas.

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