Russ Abbot’s Madhouse

Russ Abbot’s Madhouse is a British television sketch comedy series which stars Russ Abbot and would run for 16 years on tv. The series originated as The Freddie Starr Variety Madhouse; with Russ Abbot, Mike Newman, Toni Palmer, Norman Collier and Bella Emberg. After one series in 1979, Freddie Starr left and the show was repackaged as “Russ Abbot’s Madhouse” premiering on ITV in April 1980. The series showcased Abbot’s talents as an all round entertainer and included characters such as Basildon Bond, a James Bond parody; ‘Cooperman’, a cross between Tommy Cooper and Superman; and C.U. Jimmy, a virtually unintelligible, red-headed, kilt-wearing Scotsman. The programme attracted millions of viewers weekly.