Robert is awoken to the sad news that friend and comic hero Jack Douglas has passed away at the age of 81. A unique talent and a true gentleman, Robert vows to do only one radio tribute today – for his old pal Luke Deal – and sticks to his word. Jack had been poorly for a while and, although the news was not unexpected it was still a blow. Robert’s next book will be dedicated to Jack and those special memories of a long and happy friendship – alongside those gems of comedy and serious acting from Jack preserved in the archives – will remain invaluable.

The annual televisual feast of ‘Missing Belived Wiped’ at the National Film Theatre. Gems recovered and discussed this year included a vast array from the collection of Bob Monkhouse, Alastair Sim giving an intense address to camera, Kenneth Williams in full-on chat-show mode and ‘Doctor Who’ and ‘Are You Being Served?’ clips newly treated to a revolutionary system that puts colour back in to their cheeks.

But, semi-recovered, Robert makes the rather less arduous journey into Central London for the Royal Film Performance of ‘A Bunch of Amateurs’ at the Odeon Leicester Square. Held on behalf of the Film and Television Benevolent Fund, Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness Prince Philip are in attendance, alongside with cast members Derek Jacobi, Samantha Bond and Imelda Staunton.

Sadly Robert is forced to pull out of the Doctor Who convention, Dimensions, in Newcastle due to a back injury. He apologises and hopes to appear at another convention for Tenth Planet sometime in the New Year.

Front row seats for Neil Labute’s hilarious and poignant play ‘Fat Pig’ at the Comedy Theatre; starring Katie Kerr, Nick Burns, Kevin Bishop…oh, and Kelly Brook in a bikini! It proved an enjoyable break before Robert threw himself in to a week’s researching at the B.B.C. Written Archive in Caversham.

To the Old Town Hall, Hemel Hempstead to catch Robert’s good pal, John Dorney, taking the challenging lead role in ‘Humble Boy’. An outstanding production, perfectly brought to life by six actors at the top of their game. You are urged to watch local papers for the tour coming to a venue near you.

Robert was back at the National for another platform; this time on the Lyttleton stage. Sir Roger Moore was in conversation with Emma Forbes with regards his entertaining autobiography, My Word is My Bond. The event was a happy bubble in a memorable day revolving around a post-‘Mind Your Langauge’ recording session lunch with representatives from the Australian DVD company releasing the show and the talent themselves.

A fond farewell to Tony Hoare: the guv’nor.

Robert was among the guests at the eager-awaited Heritage Foundation salute to the 40th birthday of Dad’s Army. Beloved surviving cast (Clive Dunn, Ian Lavender, Bill Pertwee, Pam Cundell, Frank Williams, Philip Madoc), the writers (Jimmy Perry and David Croft) and behind-the-scenes talent (Harold Snoad, Mrs Michael Mills: Valerie Leon) and wartime-flavoured auction and entertainment, proved a fitting event in aid of of the Bomber Command Appeal. Later Robert joined up with Liz Fraser (who, fittingly, had played Pike’s mum in Dad’s Army: the Movie) and Roy and Debbie Hudd for Ken Dodd’s Laughter Show at the Palladium. A copper-bottom variety production with everybody from Comedy Legend Bernie Clifton to twinkle-lipped Joan Hinde, it was staged to raise money for Brinsworth House; a place very close to Robert’s heart. Here’s to next year.

Robert attended the National Theatre Denis Norden platform on the Cottesloe stage to launch the writing guru’s latest collection of memoirs, Clips from a Life. The great man was interviewed by Barry Cryer and Robert enjoyed an extended audience with the great and the good in the Green Room afterwards. Thank you, Sarahs!