Angus Deayton: Encyclopedia II - Angus Deayton - Comedy career

Angus Deayton - Comedy career

The foundation of Deayton's career was the parody of commercial/local British radio stations Radio Active transmitted on BBC Radio 4 between 1981 and 1987, which he both co-wrote and performed in. It transferred to television as KYTV between 1989 and 1993. During this period, Deayton was also frequently seen appearing as a straight man alongside Rowan Atkinson; and starred with Atkinson in two separate roles (a pool attendant and a man on a park bench) in one of the earliest episodes of Mr Bean.

In 1990 Deayton was cast as the Meldrews' neighbour Patrick Trench in the British suburban sitcom One Foot in the Grave and was selected as the host of the show that would make him a household name, Have I Got News For You. He also appeared in the award-winning Alexei Sayle's Stuff.

Deayton's suave manner as host of Have I Got News For You and a tabloid kiss-and-tell story by an ex-girlfriend led to him being nicknamed "TV's Mr Sex" in 1993. He formerly lived with the Seventies singer/songwriter Stephanie de Sykes. He was much in demand as a presenter of television specials including the BBC's New Year's Eve show and the BAFTA Awards. He also featured in a series of advertisements for credit cards and the films Savage Hearts and Elizabeth.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Comedy career", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki