New Mills’ writer’s comic creations could be nation’s fave

Steve Nallon, left, as Cissie and Eric Potts as Ada on stage at the Blackpool Grand. Photo contributed.

Northern housewives Cissie and Ada, originally played by Les Dawson and Roy Barraclough, will feature in a Channel 5 show on Saturday at 7.15pm to find the UK’s favourite showbiz pair.

Terry Ravenscroft, who penned the scripts for the original television skits in the 1970s and ‘80s, said he was delighted that the drag duo were getting a new lease of life and finding a new audience.

The countdown, which features some of the country’s favourite partnerships, including the Two Ronnies, Morecambe and Wise and Ant and Dec, will include excerpts from Cissie and Ada the stage show An Hysterical Rectumy, produced by Glossop’s Chris Mellor and in collaboration with Terry.

The touring comedy, about the deadpan Manchester comedian’s backstage life, opened last summer in Blackpool and came to the Buxton Opera House in October.

Chris said: “Channel 5 asked us to share the best bits of our play for the national poll, to help get the comedy pair voted in the top ten of best double acts.

“Having toured the play nationally with TV actors Eric Potts and Steve Nallon, and seen how popular the ‘northern nymphets’ were we are pleased to help out.”

Les’ daughter, Julie Ryder said, “The Cissie and Ada show was superb, it gave me two hours of my father back, I am looking forward to seeing Eric and Steve perform the classic characters.”

With a love of gossip, stoical pursing of lips and constantly heaved bosoms, Cissie and Ada are often regarded as Les’ most notable creation.