FOR the last 30 years Ian Lavender has been called "a stupid boy" on national television.

In fact, it is rare for a week to pass without the actor, colourful scarf wrapped around his neck, to not be derided for his stupidity.

But does it bother the actor who is due to tour with his latest play to the area?

Not a bit.

The gormless character who appeared on one of the country's foremost situation comedies turned him into a household name.

Private Pike and Dad's Army won over the nation's hearts, and is still as popular as ever.

Most of the cast of the classic comedy series have since died, and Ian has moved onto a vast variety of other things. But all of this has done nothing to fade its popularity.

In fact, the famous line delivered by Arthur Lowe to Ian when his character was demanded to give his name by a German officer -- "Don't tell him Pike" -- was just weeks ago voted the funniest of all time.

So how does Ian feel when he still reads all of the hype?

He said: "That line was really nothing to do with me. It was delivered to me, but I was just sat on some step ladders taking it."

Ian trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and his first professional engagement was at Canterbury, where he says he was paid less than he received as a drama student. Soon after he was offered the part in Dad's Army which starred a full line up of well known actors, already with a wealth of experience and success.

Ian said: "No way did I, or any of the others, have any idea just how popular Dad's Army would be. We hoped people would like it but it was only four or five years into doing it that we began to realise just how popular it was.

"It was daunting for me coming in at that time. But everyone was so very nice. They all took me under their wing.

"The experience was good and bad when I moved on to other things. It was good because Dad's Army was just such a lovely job to do and I felt lucky being a part of it. But it was bad because it was such a shock to find not everyone was so nice when I did move on to other programmes. Not every cast was like that."

There were 10 seasons of Dad's Army and Ian has since moved on to a variety of television series such as Casualty, Goodnight Sweetheart, Peak Practice, The Glums, Come Back Mrs Noa, Mr Big, Keeping Up Appearances, Cleudo, The Harry Hill Show, Westbeach and variety of chat and quiz shows.

And although he remains best known for his comedy appearances, he has performed in classics, including Dustin Hoffman's The Merchant of Venice for Peter Hall's company.

His last appearance on television was in Eastenders. He said: "I knew so many people in the programme that it was great fun -- lovely to do."

Even so, Ian is less complimentary about the way in which television dramas are now being filmed. He said: "TV is now totally different to when I started. It is not like it used to be. It is rare that proper rehearsals take place. It is now a case of rehearse record, rehearse record and so on.

"This probably accounts for the demise of the television play and so many wonderful drama series.

"We used to work as an ensemble. That no longer happens, and now I do not think you get the same kind of results."

Ian is currently touring with The Ghost Train. It is a role he should be familiar with -- this will be his fourth time in the part.

He recalled: "I did it in Liverpool Rep 30 years ago, on a tour 25 years ago, and with Bristol Rep three years ago.

"And, yes, here I am again.

"Why? For the rent of course.

"No, really, I enjoy doing it. It goes without saying, it is great fun. It is a good thing this part can be played by a man of varying ages -- although I think this will be the last time for me.

"It is great fun to tour, although some nights you really do not feel like it."

He smiled: "But I welcome the rent so I said yes. Besides I have a terrible habit to fund -- eating and drinking."

Ian lists his loves as cricket, golf, the garden, sons Daniel and Sam, and his wife Michelle -- "but not necessarily in that order".

After the tour of Ghost Train comes to an end his plans are very definite "I want to spend time in my garden".

No such a "stupid boy" after all.

Posted March 8 2002