Comedian Harry Worth was born Harry Illingsworth, in Tankersley, near Barnsley in 1917. At the age of 14 he went down the mines to work, in spite of the fact that his own father had been killed in a pit accident when Harry was barely a year old. 

During the Second World War, Harry began entertaining his RAF colleagues in Burma. On his return to civilian life he borrowed a book on ventriloquism from his local library and decided to become an entertainer. With two dummies (Fotheringay and Clarence) Harry landed his first theatrical date at the Bradford Mechanics Institute in 1946. 

However, this was by no means the beginning of a runaway success and after failing to get any more professional engagements for some time, he was seriously considering returning to the mines when just in time he was offered a 12 week contract at Southsea. This was his turning point, and in 1948 Harry made his first appearance on BBC radio in "New to You". 

He continued to find steady work without becoming a major star until 1952, when he found himself on the same variety bill as Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, who were touring Britain. The two Hollywood legends took an instant shine to Harry and made sure that he was a supporting act on their next British tour (1953-54). This time the comic duo suggested that Harry give up his ventriloquist act and become a stand-up comedian.

He became an overnight success with his first T.V. series "Here's Harry", set in the fictional town of Woodbridge. Other series included "Harry Worth", "How's Your Father" and "O Happy Band". 

The bumbling comedian was a fixture in the 60s TV schedules, playing the mild-mannered, well-meaning man who is constantly involved in misunderstandings and conflicts with "authority". His intervention in any particular situation always seemd to complicate matters and make things worse.

Several comedy series were built around the well meaning but muddle-headed Harry Worth and his ineffectual attempts to do the right thing. 

With the stalwart support of Hugh Lloyd (later to star in Hugh and I) and the opening credits of Harry appearing to levitate himself in the shop window..

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