Chris Tarrant Discusses Career Highlights and the Near Firing of Lenny Henry
Chris Tarrant recently shared fascinating insights into his extensive career, including his experiences with comedian Lenny Henry during the iconic children’s show, Tiswas.
Chris Tarrant Reflects on Lenny Henry’s Early Career
During an event hosted by the Royal Television Society (RTS), Tarrant recounted how he recruited Lenny Henry for Tiswas. He was initially drawn to Henry’s impressive impression of Muhammad Ali, which made him the ideal candidate for the show.
At the time, Henry was performing in Great Yarmouth’s The Black and White Minstrel Show. He stood out as the only cast member without makeup. Tarrant explained how close he came to firing Henry after only a few episodes.
The Early Challenges
Though Tarrant admired Henry’s talent, the young comedian struggled with nerves and often forgot his lines. Tarrant remarked, “He’s mega-confident now and can do everything.” However, during those early days, Tarrant considered letting him go.
What saved Henry’s position on the show was his introduction of beloved characters, including a spoof David Bellamy and Algernon Razzmatazz. Tarrant expressed gratitude for not dismissing Henry, as his contributions eventually became integral to the show’s success.
Memorable Moments from Tiswas
The RTS audience enjoyed a nostalgic moment as they sang along to The Bucket of Water Song, originally featured in Tiswas and even performed with Paul McCartney and Wings. This memorable song, which involved audience members getting drenched, reached No. 26 on the charts in 1980.
The Four Bucketeers, consisting of Tarrant, Sally James, John Gorman, and Bob Carolgees, showcased their talent on Top of the Pops. Tarrant revealed that the BBC initially viewed their show as competition and prohibited them from using water in their act. Instead, the show resorted to using tinsel in the buckets, a move Tarrant described as “naff.”
Event Details
Chris Tarrant’s reflective evening took place on September 11 at the Midlands Arts Centre in Birmingham. Hosted by Al Booth and produced by Jayne Rae, the event provided fans a rare glimpse into Tarrant’s rich experiences in television.
