Paul Eddington

If you had asked someone about Paul Eddington in the 80s, everyone would have mentioned his role in <i>The Good Life</i>. Jerry Leadbetter, Margo's long suffering husband, was a great supporting character that was played to perfection by Paul Eddington. He displayed just the right mix of friendship and amazement towards Tom and Barbara Good. The Leadbetters might not have supported the Goods in all their endeavours, but they were true friends and Paul Eddington and Penelope Keith were brilliant in their roles. For most actors having one such memorable character is a great achievement, however, Paul Eddington's greates triumph was yet too come.

His role as Jim Hacker in <i>Yes Minister</i> and <i>Yes Prime Minister</i> immortalised him and made him a firm favourite of the then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who appointed him a CBE in 1987.