A life well lived is celebrated by BBC Scotland…
Rikki celebrates the centenary of the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most beloved comic actor and undisputed King of Hogmanay – Rikki Fulton.
It’s 100 years since Robert Kerr ‘Rikki’ Fulton was born in the East End of Glasgow and twenty since he passed. For decades, he made the nation laugh with his rubber face, razor-sharp wit and iconic characters such as Supercop, the Reverend IM Jolly and Francie and Josie, which captured the heart of the nation.
In a land full of funny folk, Rikki Fulton ruled supreme both on stage and on screen. One of his most notable TV roles was in Scotch & Wry, adored by millions of viewers and widely regarded as Scotland’s best comedy sketch show. Dusting down the Reverend IM Jolly’s chair, this programme revisits the magical moments that made Rikki the King of Hogmanay over an incredible three decades.
From bumbling polis, moaning ministers and plenty of wee gyrations across the floor, Rikki delves deep into the vaults as well as showing some never-before-seen home footage to discover the story of the real man behind the genius.
Alongside the laughs, Rikki’s biography tells the tale of a teenager sent to war and the trauma which followed; how a chance encounter at Ayr Gaiety theatre with Jack Milroy inspired a comedy union; and how Rikki and his wife Kate’s generosity to man’s best friend left a lasting legacy.
Narrated by Ashley Jensen and featuring archive interviews from the man himself, Rikki tells the story of his extraordinary life, bringing together the people closest to him as well as tributes from those he inspired.
Featuring contributions from his Scotch & Wry co-stars Tony Roper Juliet Cadzow and Claire Nielson, the programme also offers insights from Alex Norton, Gavin Mitchell, Sanjeev Kohli, Leah MacRae, Louise McCarthy, Jamie MacDonald, Jim Smith, Michelle McManus, Gary Hollywood who reminisce about Hogmanay’s gone by when Rikki Fulton would make Scotland laugh and close the year in style.
Rikki, Tuesday 31 December, BBC One Scotland & BBC iPlayer, 10 pm
