Dads Army
9th October 2014
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Bill Nighy, Sir Michael Gambon, Toby Jones and Sir Tom Courtenay are among the stars who will appear in a big-screen remake of classic sitcom Dad's Army.

Here are some Interesting Dads Army Facts

There were 80 episodes between 1968 and 1977

There were a total of 226 credited actors who appeared in the show

The outside scenes of the fictional Walmington were actually filmed in Thetford, Norfolk.


In the late 1960s, early Dad’s Army first screened to an audience of 8 million, however, in the 1970s heyday of audience figures the sit-com found itself near the top of the pile, attracting more than 18 million viewers at its peak.

Arthur Lowe: Captain Mainwaring (80 episodes, 1968-1977) died in 1982 aged 66

Best known saying “You Stupid Boy”, He narrated the “Mr Men” Cartoon series

John Le Mesurier: Sgt Wilson (80 episodes, 1968-1977) died in 1983 aged 71

Once married to Hattie Jacques, Quoted as saying "It's all been rather lovely" before slipping into a final coma.

Clive Dunn: lCPL Jones (80 episodes, 1968-1977) died in 2012 aged 92

Best Know Saying “Don’t Panic!” Had a No. 1 in 1971 with Grandad.

John Laurie: Pte Fraser (80 episodes, 1968-1977) died in 1980 aged 83

 Best Know Saying “We’re Doomed” He was a noted Shakespearean actor

Arnold Ridley: PTe Godfrey (80 episodes, 1968-1977) died in 1984 aged 88

Had to give up his early acting career due to injuries from the 1st World War.

Ian Lavender Pte Pike (80 episodes, 1968-1977) now aged 68 and still acting

His character Private Pike was actually based on one of the writers, Jimmy Perry, as a young man.

Bud Flanagan: The Voice of (76 episodes, 1968-1977 Died in 1968 aged 72. A member of "The Crazy Gang" of popular WWII comedians. Partner to Chesney Allen, prior to his death recorded the theme “Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mister Hitler?"

James Beck: Pte Walker (60 episodes, 1968-1973) died in 1973 aged 44

His full name was Stanley James Carroll Beck.

Bill Pertwee: Chief Warden Hodges (60 episodes, 1968-1977) died in 2013 aged 86

Bill was first cousin to Jon Pertwee of Dr Who fame.

Edward Sinclair: The Verger (49 episodes, 1968-1977) died in 1977 aged 63

Died exactly one month after the last episode of the show was recorded.

Frank Williams:  The Vicar (40 episodes, 1969-1977) Died in 1982 aged 66 now aged 83 and still acting. He served 3 terms as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England, between 1985 and 2000.

Janet Davies: Mrs Pike. (30 episodes, 1968-1977) Died in 1986 aged 59

Pamela Cundell: Mrs Fox (13 episodes, 1969-1977) now aged 94 last role in A Fantastic Fear of everything in 2012

Other famous names who appeared in Dads Army

Fulton Mackay: Captain Ramsey / ... (2 episodes, 1973-1977) died in 1987 aged 64.

Best Known for Playing Mr Mackay in Porridge.

Wendy Richard: Shirley (4 episodes, 1970-1973) died in 2009 aged 65

Her EastEnders character Pauline Fowler became the 1st woman on the soap opera to give birth.

Don Estelle:Gerald (4 episodes, 1969-1970) died in 2003 aged 70

Best known for playing Gunner Lofty Sugden in It Ain’t Half Hot

Barbara Windsor: Laura la Plaz (1 episode, 1968) Now aged 77 still acting and appears in the Jackpot Joy adverts!

Philip Madoc: the U Boat Captain (1 episode, 1973) Died in 2012 aged 77.

Involved in the most famous line “Don’t Tell him Pike”

Don't Tell him Pike Clip

Bill Treacher:  the 1st Sailor (1 episode, 1969) Now 84 last acted in TV Movie Coming Home in 2009.Best known for playing Arthur Fowler in EastEnders.

Peter Butterworth: Mr. Bugden (1 episode, 1975) Died in 1979 aged 59.

Starred in a number of Carry on Films, and Catweazle

Kenneth MacDonald: the Army Sergeant (1 episode, 1977) Died in 1982 aged 66

Best known for playing Mike the landlord of the Nags Head in “Only Fools and Horses”.

Freddie Trueman: E.C Egan (1 episode, 1970) Died in 2006 aged 75. Cricketer and host of Indoor league. His daughter, Rebecca, married Damon Welch son of Raquel Welch.

Geoffrey Hughes: the Bridge Corporal (1 episode, 1972) Died in 2012 aged 68.

Best known for playing Eddie Yeats in Coronation Street

John Bardon:  Harold Forster (1 episode, 1975) Died in 2014 aged 75.

Best known for playing Jim Branning in EastEnders.

Nigel Hawthorne: the Angry Man (1 episode, 1969) Died in 2001 aged 72

Best known for playing Sir Humphrey Appleby in the BBC comedy Yes Minister.

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