Danny Ross (comedian)

Ronald Crabtree (30 April 1930 – 2 February 1976) known by his stage name Danny Ross, was a British comedian best remembered for his role alongside Jimmy Clitheroe in the long running BBC Radio comedy show The Clitheroe Kid (1957–1973).^[1][2][3]

Publicity photo of Danny Ross

Ross played the part of "Alfie Hall", the dim witted, mismatched boyfriend of Jimmy's posh sister "Susan" (Diana Day).^[4] Alfie Hall was a name Danny Ross had used prior to The Clitheroe Kid, including during a television series in 1956 entitled I'm Not Bothered... which followed the exploits of milkman "Alf Hall" and his stuttering mate, "Wally Binns" (Glenn Melvyn).^[5] The phrase "I'm not bothered..." was occasionally used by Danny Ross in The Clitheroe Kid as a catchphrase, in indecisive (but not unfriendly) responses when given a decision by girlfriend "Susan".

Danny had made his reputation in comedy by starring alongside Arthur Askey and Glenn Melvyn in The Love Match – a hit stage comedy presented for a summer season at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, in 1953, that led to the spin-off TV series Love and Kisses.^[6][7] He had also starred in the George Formby role in the revival of the stage musical Zip Goes a Million, and later made a pop record of Formby's hit song "The Old Bazaar in Cairo".^[8]

Personal life

Danny Ross was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England on 30 April 1930, the only son of John William Crabtree (1895–1964), a cotton spinner, and his wife, Martha Jane (née Grady, 23 August 1895 – 1979). He was taken ill on New Year's Day 1976, en route to London with his manager to arrange a new show. He died of a heart attack at Blackpool's Victoria Hospital, on 2 February 1976 at the age of 45.

Filmography

1. "Just Jimmy (TV Series) (ABC-tv)" .... Cousin Danny (51 episodes, 1964–1968)

2. "Friends and Neighbours" (1959) .... Sebastian Green

3. "The Anne Shelton Show" (1 episode, 1959)

• Episode dated 19 January 1959 (1959) TV episode

4. "Living It Up" .... Danny, props boy (2 episodes, 1957–1958)

• Episode No.2.1 (1958) TV episode .... Danny, props boy
• Episode No.1.3 (1957) TV episode .... Danny, props boy

5. "I'm Not Bothered (TV series)" .... Alf Hall (7 episodes, 1956)

• Episode No.1.26 (1956) TV episode .... Alf Hall
• Episode No.1.10 (1956) TV episode .... Alf Hall
• Episode No.1.9 (1956) TV episode .... Alf Hall
• Episode No.1.8 (1956) TV episode .... Alf Hall
• Episode No.1.7 (1956) TV episode .... Alf Hall

6. "Ramsbottom Rides Again" (1956) .... Danny

7. "Love and Kisses" .... Alf Hall (5 episodes, 1955)

• Episode No.1.1 (1955) TV episode .... Alf Hall
• Episode No.1.2 (1955) TV episode .... Alf Hall
• Bill Goes on the Stage (1955) TV episode .... Alf Hall
• Bill Mixes More Trouble (1955) TV episode .... Alf Hall
• Bill's Bright Ideas (1955) TV episode .... Alf Hall

8. "The Love Match" (1955) .... Alf Hall