John Howard Davies, head of comedy at the BBC from 1977 and 1982, has died. Before becoming head of comedy, he produced episodes of Monty Python's Flying Circus, It's Awfully Bad for Your Eyes, Darling, Steptoe and Son, The Goodies, Whoops Bagdad!, Comedy Playhouse, Fawlty Towers, The Good Life and The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin. He also went on to later produce Mr. Bean and No Job for a Lady, amongst other series. Oh yeah, and he directed many of the above, and some episodes of The Bill. However, his screen debut was on the other side of the camera - as Oliver Twist in possibly the best production of the story, also starring Alec Guinness as Fagin! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-14634360 RIP John, you were an essential part of the Golden Age of British sitcoms. Thanks for all the classic shows!
