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Gillingham comedy writer to host Hi-De-Hi reunion with stars Ruth Madoc, Jeffrey Holland and Su Pollard

11:52, 13 November 2020

updated: 11:58, 13 November 2020

A comedy writer/performer is set to host a reunion of cast members from one of the most popular comedies of the 1980s.

Kevin Durham will be bringing together stars from the BBC show Hi-De-Hi on his YouTube channel.

Comedy host Kevin Durham, of Wyles Street, Gillingham
Comedy host Kevin Durham, of Wyles Street, Gillingham

The programme, which ran for eight years and was set in a fictional 1950s holiday camp, was written by Jimmy Perry and David Croft, who also penned Dad's Army and It Ain't Half Hot Mum.

It made household names out of its stars including Ruth Madoc, who played Gladys Pugh – famous for her xylophone and "good morning campers" catchphrase.

Kevin happened upon the idea after working on a comedy animation project he is planning to pitch to Netflix with Hi-De-Hi actress Nikki Kelly (Sylvia Garnsey).

The dad-of-two, who lives in Wyles Street, Gillingham, grew up watching the show and thought a reunion would be welcomed by the public.

As well as Nikki, it will feature Ruth, Jeffrey Holland (Spike Dixon) and Su Pollard, who played chalet maid Peggy Ollerenshaw, whose dream was to become a yellowcoat.

Kevin Durham will host the Hi-De-Hi reunion on his YouTube channel
Kevin Durham will host the Hi-De-Hi reunion on his YouTube channel

Kevin said: "I think the show really does come from the heyday of British TV comedy with the likes of Fools and Horses and Reggie Perrin. I am sure viewers will enjoy the reunion."

He added that he his favourite character was Peggy because "she was so scatty and always had the best lines".

The 38-year-old will host the online get-together, quizzing the actors about the comedy and what they did next.

As the reunion will be live streamed the public can join in with a live Q&A, putting any questions they have to the cast. Plus they'll be some holiday camp-inspired games as well.

It won't be the first time Kevin has worked with Ruth, as she was the first person to congratulate him when he proposed to his wife Veronika on stage of Dartford's Orchard Theatre in 2017.

The reunion will take place from 7pm on November 25 on YouTube.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

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