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Frank Cronin's avatar

I found this online, it all sounds a bit far fetched, but who knows?

ROY JAY

Roy Jay was born in Oslo, the son of a Norwegian father and a Scottish/Ansh mother: He left Norway with his family at the age of four to live in south Wales, where he began hes education When he was eight he spent a year in Cork studying Gaelic and the violin, after which time he returned to his parents in Wales. The family was soon to move agan - this time to Atherton near Manchester

Following in his father's footstpes, Roy joined the Norwegian Navy at the age of fifteen and spent two years travelling the world. Once back in civilian life, he entered a talent compertion and won first prize of £5.00. As a result of this he joined a group and sarg lead with them in small Norther clubs and dancehalls.

It was not until he was offered the job at Pontins Southport as Assistant Entertainments Manager, that Roy.Jay began comedy, and in 1973 he topped the bill in cabaret following the Miss Gibraltar Beauty Contest which was broadcast by the Spanish Television Network. In Britain. Roy appeared in the clubs of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, until 1975 when he was offered a three month tour of South Africa. He did, in fact, stay eight months, during which time he appeared on television. He was rapidly gaining in popularity with South Aírican audiences, but had to return to Great Britain to fulfill recording and cabaret commitments. Since March 1976 Roy Jay has worked in most of the major clubs in the country, e.g. "Batley Vanety Club". "Ceasars Palace",

", Luton, "The Stardust Rooms" Usk.

South Wales and "The Fiesta Club'

Sheffield

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Jonathan Hayward's avatar

I can very vaguely remember him appearing on TV screens in the mid-80's, but as stated, he didn't stick around for that long.Believe it or not, I found his oddball comic routine on Bob Monkhouse's show quite amusing, not especially for the obvious,routine jokes themselves, but his style and presentation, though it was a modus operandi that soon began to wear thin, and he became increasingly unreliable to producers due to an apparent drink problem which seriously began to affect his performances, being dropped from the series stated and an advertising deal with Smiths Square Crisps (being replaced in the latter by Lenny Henry). A later performance of a recently released single on Pebble Mill at One in 1986 to relaunch his declining TV career was not a success, as he appeared to have aged alarmingly and looked poorly throughout. It was his last known TV appearance, as he went back to performing in clubs,at home and abroad,and passed away in 2007 aged 59.

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Curious British Telly's avatar

Thanks for pointing out the Pebble Mill clip, Jonathan. Hadn't seen that before - another curious addition to his television career and an equally intriguing end to it.

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Mule's avatar

Why did he choose a vintage prison broad arrow uniform for his comedian outfit?

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Curious British Telly's avatar

No one knows, it’s a mystery he took to his grave.

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Mule's avatar

You're no fun 😂

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Neil Shenton's avatar

There were loads of acts like this; hangovers of the 'spesh (speciality) acts' from variety. Norman Collier was another with his two routines. Humour is always subjective. "you'll all be doing this tomorrow"? We certainly were in my school the next day...

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Neil Shenton's avatar

(Colliers routines being the 'faulty microphone' gag and chicken impression...)

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James Allenspach's avatar

According to Wikipedia his career stretched back to the 1970s, so this is his act after ten years of experience

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John Ritchie's avatar

I don't remember this guy, and seeing as his act is so unique, you'd definitely remember. Thanks for sharing (slither)

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Frank Cronin's avatar

There’s a Facebook page for him too!!!

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