Les Dawson's former home, Lytham

Here I am in Lytham on the north West coast at the former home of the comedian Les Dawson. When I initially found about ten years ago his second wife Tracy and daughter Charlotte were living here. It was called “The Bumbles” and there was a blue plaque was on the wall. The house was sold and refurbished and the sign/plaque haven't been replaced (it's now called "Applegarth.") Once I wrote to Tracy to ask about Les and she was kind enough to ring me up and invite me over.

Les bought the place in the 1960's for £28,000 after finding fame on Opportunity Knocks. With income from the comedy circuit and television shows he moved from a bungalow in Bury to live here on quiet leafy lane strewn with luxurious homes. He lived here with his first wife Meg and their three children. Meg was the driving force behind Les when he slogged for many years working in nightclubs in the evenings and considered giving up (he was a bit late when he made it - 37.) After Meg died of cancer Les started boozing at the St Ives Hotel facing the beach at Lytham. Here he met second wife Tracy, an effervescent bar manager and a very happy life ensued. They got married and were together for about eight years. Sadly about eight months after Charlotte was born Les died suddenly from a heart attack aged 62. Tracy struggled to pay the bills and put the house up for sale. I can recall it being for sale at £1.4 million however it eventually sold for £850,000. It's next to Lytham Cemetery where Les lies with his first wife. Tracy still lives nearby and Charlotte seems to keep popping up on dreadful reality tv programmes.

Outside "The Bumbles" when Tracy and Charlotte lived there...

Nowadays...