Made by Granada, John Stevenson and Julian Roach's 'Dead Ernest' was a vehicle for Andrew Sachs, then a hot property thanks to 'Fawlty Towers'. He played 'Ernest Springer', a mild-mannered teacher who dies accidentally whilst celebrating a big win on the football pools. He goes to Heaven, is reunited with his parents ( and meets famous people such as Bach and Beethoven ) but refuses to accept his predicament and demands he be returned to Earth so he can enjoy his winnings. Among the crazy characters he meets in the hereafter are 'Archangel Derek' ( Ken Jones ) and 'Cherub Fred' ( Harry Fowler ). John Le Mesurier guested in one episode. The premise was very unusual for an ITV sitcom of the time and there were some amusing scenes, including Ernest finding himself in the Rovers Return and meeting 'Ernie Bishop' ( actor Stephen Hancock did not appear ).
But the show - made by Witzend - did not click with viewers, possibly because it was wrong for peak-time and the novelty of the main premise wore off pretty quickly. Sachs was later heard to comment: "I died on that show - in more ways that one!".
But the show - made by Witzend - did not click with viewers, possibly because it was wrong for peak-time and the novelty of the main premise wore off pretty quickly. Sachs was later heard to comment: "I died on that show - in more ways that one!".