Brian Wilde was reportedly disappointed with his role in Porridge. (Image: BBC)
Porridge actor Brian Wilde is said to have been disappointed with his role in the iconic comedy due to him not having much to do. The late actor, who died in 2008, played prison officer Henry Barrowclough from 1974 until 1977, as well as the film version of Porridge in 1979.
It is thought that Brian was pleased with the pilot episode but became disheartened when his role became smaller throughout the series.
According to TV Tropes, he even feared that he would be written out in series two.
His co-star Fulton Mackay, who played tough prison officer Mr Mackay, reportedly told Brian he was being paranoid, but later shared his fears when his own time on screen was cut in series three.
Brian died in his sleep in 2008 aged 80. He was also known for playing Foggy in Last of the Summer Wine.
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Brian Wilde was also known for playing Foggy in Last Of The Summer Wine. (Image: Getty)
Fulton Mackay died in 1987 from stomach cancer at the age of 64.
It has been half a century since the classic comedy ended, but it turns out it was actually s.
It was born out of the ‘s Seven in One, which saw Ronnie Barker star in seven different comedy pilots. The most successful episode was then made into a full series.
Writer Ian La Frenais said: “When asked to [turn the episode into a series], it suddenly became daunting. We visited various prisons to find inspiration but got thoroughly depressed.”
His writing partner Dick Clement added: “Then we spoke to Jonathan Marshall, an ex-con, about the routines of prison life – that meeting was valuable.
“He came up with the expression, ‘It’s all about little victories’, referring to getting through one’s sentence on a day-to-day basis earning ‘little victories’ against the system. With that one little phrase we found Fletcher’s character – it gave us a route in.”
Although the series has become a lasting success, Ronnie Barker .
The Norman Stanley Fletcher actor revealed the familiar sound of the judge reading sentencing during the opening titles which he voiced was something he wished he’d never done.
Ronnie reportedly said that he loved every aspect of the show, but regretted recording himself as the judge (who was later portrayed by Maurice Denham in two episodes).
Porridge is available to watch on iPlayer.