Comedian Dave Allen to be celebrated by the BBC

The BBC are to celebrate the life and career of Irish comedian Dave Allen who died in 2005.

Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two and Gilly Hall, Entertainment Commissioning Executive, have commissioned a one-hour special documentary to celebrate the star who had hit television series on both the BBC and ITV. (pictured The Dave Allen Show at ATV in the sixties)

“We are delighted to be celebrating the life and work of the inspired and extraordinary comedian, Dave Allen on BBC Two. He was an entertainer ahead of his time and an acclaimed actor too, who has not been seen on British Television for many years.” says Gilly Hall.

Featuring rare, often previously unseen, archive and interviews with family, friends and colleagues, Dave Allen Night celebrates one of the BBC’s most-loved stars.

Together with Dave’s son, daughter and widow, other interviewees include Dame Maggie Smith, Stephen Frears and Steven Berkoff, as well as archive interviews with Bill Cotton conducted shortly before he passed away.

And the cast and crew of Dave Allen At Large, his best-known, long-running show, come together to talk about their memories of working with Dave.

Dave Allen Night will air on BBC Two.