After They Were Famous Quiz | Television

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. Diana Coupland played Irene's Auntie Maureen in 2000. This comedy actress played opposite Sid James in the successful sitcom, 'Bless This House'. What was the name of Diana's character in that sitcom?

Answer: Jean

Jean and Sid Abbott had two children, Mike and Sally, and they lived next door to Trevor and Betty. The programme ran from 1971 to 1976, and consisted of 65 episodes; although not a favourite with the critics, it was much loved and watched by the viewing public.

2. Who played the gangster Jack Dalton and the philosopher Shelley?

Answer: Hwyel Bennett

The sitcom 'Shelley' ran for thirteen years (1979-1992) and Hwyel Bennett was the only constant throughout. He played Jack Dalton in EastEnders in 2003, and was eventually killed by Dennis Rickman. (Derek Benfield appeared in 'Last of the Summer Wine', Michael Bentine has a long string of acting credits, but is probably best remembered for 'Michael Bentine's Potty Time', and Rodney Bewes was one half of the 'Likely Lads' with James Bolam.)

3. C.P. Grogan had appeared in 'Behind the Bike Sheds' in 1983, and was a member of the 'Red Dwarf' cast, but what role did this actor play in 'EastEnders'?

Answer: Ros Thorne

This was from 1997-1998; she played the Private Eye who helped Ian retrieve his children from his errant wife, Cindy, and then throughout the custody case - finally being the means of proving Mrs Beale's attempts to murder her husband. Fellow crew members Norman Lovatt (Holly) made a cameo appearance in 2001, and Craig Charles (Lister) appeared in one of the Specials as a club owner from whom Bianca stole some money while living in Manchester.

4. Which stand-up comedian appeared in Albert Square in 1988 and remained for some time as a mainstay of the programme, even when absent?

Answer: Mike Reid

Mike appeared in an advert during his period away from EastEnders, blatantly milking the role of Frank Butcher in that he was walking across a field enjoying the day to the full when he stepped in something unsavoury. Suddenly remembering the wife left behind in Walford, he started crying "Pat! Oh, Pat!". It is a sad reflection that I cannot remember what he was advertising!

5. After the sudden death of his wife, Patrick Truman appeared in the Square, much to the surprise of his two sons. Rudolph Walker, who plays Patrick, has appeared in many programmes, but he is best known for his role in 'The Thin Blue Line', and which of these sitcoms?

Answer: Love Thy Neighbour

This is one sitcom which does not seem likely to ever be repeated on any television channel, as it dealt with the animosity between Rudolph?s character, Bill, and Eddie, the white man living next door (played by Jack Smethurst). In spite of the objections which would be raised by the truck-load over the less-than-politically-correct scripts in the years to come, this programme proved popular at the time, and actually lasted five years and fifty-six episodes!

6. After being in the very first episode of 'EastEnders', Wendy Richard's character has matured into the Fowler matriarch, even though most of her family have died or been scattered across the world in the intervening years. Like many before her, Wendy was a well-known actor through a sitcom - 'Are you Being Served?' - but what was the name of her character in that programme?

Answer: Miss Brahms

There were only two regular female characters in 'Are You Being Served' - Miss Brahams and Mrs Slocombe, ably portrayed by Mollie Sugden, a great comic actress.

7. Michael Elphick's first major TV role was as Private Shultz in the comic mini-series of the same name, and from there he came to play Harry Slater in 'EastEnders', via roles in 'Auf Wiedersehen, Pet' and 'Three Up, Two Down'. But there was one programme in which he took the starring role, the one which sealed his fame in the UK. What was this programme?

Answer: Boon

His role in EastEnders was the last he was to play before he died in September 2002; his character was discovered to be Zoe Slater's father when the truth of his abuse of her mother, Kat, came to light. News of his death was to come through as Zoe turned eighteen.

8. His first TV job was on 'Jameson Tonight', and then in 1991 he presented 'Caught in the Act' on the BBC. Following on from this, he starred on stage in 'Grease' as Danny, and then returned to TV by hosting 'Win, Lose or Draw' and 'Lucky Numbers'. His arrival in 'EastEnders' was the start of a roller-coaster ride which took the viewers by storm. Who is this actor?

Answer: Shane Ritchie

In 2003, Shane received the 'TV Quick' award for best soap newcomer, and was named the 'most popular actor' at the National Television Awards. He was also the seventeenth name on the list as 'sexiest man on the planet' in 2003 - all of these things dating since his arrival in Walford in November 2002.

9. In which other soap did Jill Halfpenny (Kate Mitchell) appear as Rebecca Hopkins?

Answer: Coronation Street

Jill also appeared in 'Byker Grove', 'Dalziel and Pascoe' and 'Peak Practice', as well as playing Annie Jordan in 'Touching Evil' parts one and two. In EastEnders she played an undercover cop who fell in love with her prey, Phil Mitchell, and married him about four months before he left the Square.

10. When Frank Butcher's mother came to live with him in the Queen Vic, we were introduced to another sprightly lady, played by the ever popular 'dotty character' actress, Pat Coombs. Her name was Marge Green, but through which organisation did we come to know this dippy character?

Answer: Brownies

Pat Coombs was in the Square from 1989 to 1990; even after Mo Butcher muscled her way into becoming Brown Owl at the Brownies instead of her, she remained on friendly terms. Along with Mo, she was also friends with Ethel and Dot.

11. Who does the 'stupid boy' of Walmington-on-Sea play in Walford?

Answer: Derek

After some years of married life (with two children) Derek Harkinson finally admitted to being gay and left his wife to live with his new partner. Now he lives with Pauline Fowler and Martin in Albert Square. Ian Lavender played Pte Pike in 'Dad's Army' - "Stupid boy!"

12. Nana Moon is a great favourite, both as a character and as a much-loved actress. Hilda Braid played a similar character when she played the 'mother of the girlfriend' in a 1970s programme, but which programme was this?

Answer: Citizen Smith

Hilda's part was 'Shirley's Mum', and Shirley was Wolfie Smith's girlfriend. Just like Nana Moon, Hilda's character got things mixed up in an endearing fashion, and would call Robert Lindsay 'Foxy' instead. To make life even more interesting, she played opposite three different actors as 'Shirley's Dad' during the sitcom's life - 1977-1980.

13. Which 1970s 'Blue Peter' presenter played a TV star who came to Walford in 1987 to produce a documentry?

Answer: Peter Purves

Peter, Valerie, Lesley and John were household names throughout the seventies; there have been thirty-odd presenters since 'Blue Peter' started in 1958, but none have stayed any real length of time since then.

14. He played John the Baptist in 'Jesus of Nazareth', Bill Mason in 'The Day Of The Triffids', David Powlett Jones in 'To Serve Them All My Days' and Little Mo's solicitor in her attempted murder trial in 2002, the same year that he appeared in all five episodes of 'The Jury'. Who is he?

Answer: John Duttine

John Duttine's career dates back to the early 1970s, but it was the lead role in 'To Serve Them All My Days' which gave him stardom - the lead in 'Day Of The Triffids' the following year placed him there for certain, and he had parts in many different popular programmes such as 'Casualty', 'Heartbeat' and 'Inspector Lynley' before and since his appearance in Walford.

15. The 1968 film 'Oliver!' has to be his most famous moment, although this actor has appeared in many films and programmes since then. His appearance in 'EastEnders' was as Edwin Caldecott, an old acquaintance of Jim Branning who challenged him to a boxing match. Who was this actor?

Answer: Ron Moody

Ron played Fagin, and his performance was masterly - who could forget that 'You've got to pick a pocket or two, boys. You've got to pick a pocket or two!'?

16. Louise Jameson, who played Rosa di Marco in EastEnders from 1998 to 2000, once had a prominent role in a WWII drama series. Which series was this?

Answer: Tenko

Pam St Clement (Pat Evans) appeared in 'Private Shultz', which starred Michael Elphick (Harry Slater), but Louise Jameson was in 'Tenko', the story of women POWs in Japanese hands. She played Blanche Simmons, a brash character who gave the first two series a twist of wry humour. Blanche was killed by the Japanese between the second and third series.

17. Which famous musician appeared as a friend of Paul Truman's, asking him to hide his wife, Precious, while a trial was ongoing?

Answer: Goldie

Goldie played Angel Hudson, and he was acquitted at the trial, so there is always the possibility that he may come back again. Paul and Precious, however, got very close during the time she stayed at the Bed and Breakfast, which led to some hairy moments for them both!

18. Anna Karen played Peggy's sister, Sal, in EastEnders, appearing from time to time, usually when there was a family event or Peggy was in need of support (or when Sal escaped her husband!) Viewers recognised her from the sitcom 'On the Busses' (1969-1973), when she played Olive - but what relationship was Olive to the main character in that programme, Stan?

Answer: sister

Reg Varney played Stan, who was the bus driver, and he lived with his mother, Cicely Courtneidge (1969) and Doris Hare (1970-1973), sister Olive and Olive's husband, Arthur (Michael Robbins). Stephen Lewis played the Inspector at the bus depot, and he went on to star in 'Last of the Summer Wine'.

19. Sheila Hancock only appeared in EastEnders a couple of times, and one of these was one of the celebrated 'two-hander' episodes. Whose mother did she play in 2000-2001?

Answer: Steve's

After meeting Phil Mitchell at her son's wedding, Barbara Owen took a liking to him and his photograph graced her mantelpiece when we next see her. Sheila Hancock has appeared in many films and television programmes throughout her career, notably 'The Rag Trade' and 'Brighton Belles'.

20. Which star stopped Carrying On and ended up as Peggy Mitchell in Walford?

Answer: Barbara Windsor

Barbara was one of the mainstays of the 'Carry On' films along with Sid James. She also played Saucy Nancy in 'Worzel Gummidge', along with 'Dr Who' star Jon Pertwee. Her 'EastEnders' character was originally played by Jo Warne, who was a large, tall woman - the total opposite of Babs!

Source: Author ArleneRimmer

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor ladymacb29 before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

After They Were Famous Trivia Quiz

Some actors are thrust into the limelight because they have starring roles in a soap. But there are many actors who were famous BEFORE they appeared on 'EastEnders'. This quiz is about them.

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