Radio Times: Review by:; Mark Braxton

Sykes, who died in July aged 89, was a master at teasing big laughs from unpromising material: a plank, a missing cat, fishing... And he was steeped in comedy greatness, writing for Hancock and Howerd, and collaborating with Spike Milligan on The Goon Show.

But it’s for his TV sitcoms (Sykes and a... in the 60s, just plain Sykes
in the 70s), that he’s probably best remembered. He, Hattie Jacques
as sister Hat and Deryck Guyler as local policeman Corky, made a formidable, beloved trio.

He overcame disability and a tough upbringing to earn massive respect among his peers. Eddie Izzard and Michael Palin are among those to doff their caps.

About this programme

Comedians Eddie Izzard and Russ Abbot, Monty Python star Michael Palin, entertainer Bruce Forsyth and film director Mike Newell are just some of the celebrities paying tribute to Eric Sykes, who died in July. The comedy writer and actor had a career in film, TV and radio that spanned more than 50 years, and saw him work with the Goons and Tony Hancock among many others.