Paul Shane
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Paul Shane (born June 19, 1940) is a British actor, best known for his part in the sitcom, Hi-de-Hi!.
He was born in Rotherham, his real name being George Frederick Speight. He worked as a miner, but had an accident at Silverwood Colliery in 1967 by slipping in the pit-head baths on some soap, resulting in double herniated discs. Paul was pensioned off from the pit at the age of 27, but he knew exactly what he wanted to do - make people laugh. Two years later, he made the decision to turn professional. He had already had 10 years experience as a part-time entertainer around the pubs and clubs in South Yorkshire. His first appearance, as a straight singer, was at the Grafton Pub on St Ann's Road, Rotherham, now demolished. Paul's first club booking was at St Ann's Club in Rotherham, for thirty shillings (£1.50). He has also appeared in Emmerdale as Solomon Dingle.
Paul's transformation from singer to comedian was a gradual one, starting with his rendition of Green Green Grass of Home, straight at first, but ultimately a hilarious send up of Tom Jones which marks the start of the Paul Shane act.
In 1990 he was reunited with the Hi-De-Hi! team for You Rang, M'Lord? and then later for Oh, Doctor Beeching!.
In 1996, Paul Shane sung "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" live on the Pebble Mill show on BBC 1.
He has been a guest on the BBC game show Shooting Stars.
His role in Hi-He-Hi, Ted Bovis - entertainment officer, has become a common colloquialism for someone who spends most of their time at work organizing social events, raffles and competitions rather than their real job.
