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'Dandy Nichols' (21 May, 1907 – 6 February, 1986) was an actress most noted for her role as Else Garnett, the long-suffering wife of the racially bigoted and misogynistic character Alf Garnett in the BBC sitcom ''Til Death Us Do Part''.

Contents

Early Life and Career

''Til Death Us Do Part''

Controversy

''In Sickness And In Health''

External links

Early Life and Career

She was born 'Daisy Nichols' in Hammersmith, London, and had success as comedy character actress, appearing in many British films and the theatre, including the Royal Court Theatre and Broadway productions of ''Home''. But it as Else Garnett that she will always be remembered, despite the fact that the part was originally played in the pilot episode of the BBC's ''Comedy Playhouse'' by future EastEnders actress Gretchen Franklin. Then the Garnetts were called the Ramseys, but this was changed as the manager of the England football team was called Alf Ramsey.

''Til Death Us Do Part''

Dandy's role in the programme seemed, at first, almost neglibile. Famously, she spent almost an entire episode reading the telephone book, bored to tears as Alf embarked on another of his tirades. However, Else was a perfect foil for Alf, who could put him down effortlessly with a withering look or a cutting remark. Perhaps her finest hour - in an episode shown by the BBC in tribute to Dandy in 1986 - was when, in 1974, Else took a leaf out of Edward Heath's book and went on a three day week. Else was rather puzzled however - she couldn't understand it... the three day week was supposed to mean working people would ''lose'' money, but, refusing to cook Alf's meals twice a week meant she was ''saving'' money.

Controversy

In the original scripts, Alf was to refer to his wife as a "silly cow". This was firmly vetoed by BBC Head of Comedy Frank Muir, who thought this was inappropriate. Una Stubbs said that it was "''a lot of silly fuss about a silly moo''" which was overheard by script writer Johnny Speight and became the series most enduring catchphrase.
Eventually, Dandy became disillusioned with the series, mostly due to artistic differences with co-star Warren Mitchell, who was allegedly difficult to work with. Else was written out of the series when she emigrated to Australia to be live with her sister. Alf was furious about this - not only because he hated his sister-in-law ("''We only have one thing in common - I hate 'er and she hates me!''") but because he was losing his unpaid housekeeper. However, Alf's mask slipped after she had gone, and the viewer could see that he genuinely missed her.

''In Sickness And In Health''

"''Til Death Us Do Part''" came to an end in 1976, amid allegations of racism and political incorrectness. The series was revived, however, in 1985. Dandy agreed to appear, but had been suffering from malnutrition and rheumatoid arthritis, meaning she had to use a wheelchair. In order to accommodate this, her illnesses were written into the scripts, and the series was appropriately re-named ''In Sickness and in Health''.
When Dandy died, the decision was taken to continue the series, as the ratings and audience appreciation had been excellent. In the series she died from natural causes. Left alone after all the other mourners have gone home, Alf, the belligerent old curmudgeon who had always treated his wife appallingly, gently touched the handle of her (now empty) wheelchair and sobbed "Silly old moo!"

External links

★ [1] Dandy Nichols at screenonline.

★ [2] Dandy Nichols at The Museum of Broadcast Communications.

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