JAMES BOLAM

James Bolam is a well-known British comedy and straight actor, best known for his roles in the Beiderbecke Affair, Only When I Laugh and The Likely Lads. More recently, in the 2000s, he has been appearing in a primary role in the drama series New Tricks and in the title role of the BBC children's show Grandpa in my Pocket.

We also asked James some questions:

1. HOW DID YOU BECOME AN ACTOR?

- Went to a drama school - many years ago.

2. WHO DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST BRITISH COMEDY WRITER?

- Oscar Wilde

3. ROUGHLY HOW LONG DID IT TAKE TO FILM ONE EPISODE OF THE LIKELY LADS?

- One week.

 A classic full episode of the 70s and 80s comedy series ONLY WHEN I LAUGH, starring James Bolam (pictured left on start screen), Christopher Strauli, Peter Bowles (right), Richard Wilson, Derick Branche and Patsy Smart.