Remembering the Fallen Entertainers

Yes, sure we call them "luvvies" when they act like they're in as dangerous a profession as miners or Armenian priests. But actors, writers and musicians create the soundtrack and add the meanings to our lives - more so these days than probably any religious leader or politician, philosopher or classical composer. Who could tell us so much about family as John Sullivan? Who tell us about friendship and loyalty like David Croft?

I've just played through the BBC's "fallen stars of 2011" montage and was saddened by many of the faces there. Of course, there is that "sic transit" kind of sadness when you see the beauty of the young Elizabeth Taylor or Googie Withers, for example. And the wistfulness of knowing we've seen the last of Betty's hot-pots in the Rover's.

But the one that saddened me most was Trevor Bannister. Probably because I seem to have totally missed his passing at the time, and so it came as news today. I still remember him as the witty, slightly smutty Mr Lucas in Are You Being Served - the young-ish failed romantic lead, constantly rebuffed, as it always seemed, by Miss Brahms. In those days he was the junior in a department supervised by Capt Peacock, the inimitable Frank Thornton. In his last regular role, he was alongside Thornton again, as the Golf Club Captain in Last of the Summer Wine - ironically, Thornton was consigned to indoor shooting only for the last series due to his age, while Trevor Bannister was still allowed to film outside at a youthful - for Summer Wine - 75 at the time.

The BBC montage finishes with Amy Winehouse. As a moment capturing youth and beauty cut short and talent lost, it's a poignant shot. Goodbye to you all - you made our lives brighter.