Millwall FC Famous Fans

Danny Baker

One time staff writer with NME, Baker's first glimpse of TV fame, came in the TV documentary, "No one likes us", a history of Millwall, where is articulacy shone through in a humerous description of the trouble at Luton Town. Not long afterwards, he was to be seen or rather heard on BBC Radio, notably on the 6 05 soccer show on radio 5, a programme that he made his own, in such a way that it has never really recovered!
He then famously moved to Radio one where his tactic of slagging off the traditional Radio 1 listener base, backfired and went down about really well with people.   Baker then made friends with radio entrepreneur and self made multi Millionaire, Chris Evans, also curiously enough at one time associated with Millwall (as a potential buyer).

Max Bygraves

80 this week, Max has been part of our lives now for decades. Who can forget those wonderful novelty records of the 50's? 'Cowpunchers Cantata', 'Gilly Gilly Osenfeffer Katzenellen Bogen by the Sea', 'Tulips from Amsterdam', 'Pink Toothbrush', 'You need hands' (written by Max himself and covered by Eydie Gorme) and 'Jingle Bell Rock.'  Max was so versatile ranging from from Radio to Film , to Musicals and Comedy. Remember his catchphrases? 'Big Head', 'It's a good idea son' and 'I've arrived and to prove it I'm here.' In the 70's he went on to produce his highly successful sing along albums that sold millions and earned him over 30 Gold discs.  For such a good song and dance man it was strange that his film successes were dramatic roles like Spare the Rod and Cry from the Streets.Let's raise a glass to Max, one of the all time greats of Showbiz.

Mike Reid

Mike was born in Hackney, East London. On his honeymoon, Mike entered and won a talent contest at Butlins in the singing and stand up comedy categories. Shortly afterwards he managed to get a spot on the TV show 'The Comedians' which was a great success and gave him much needed recognition. He was doing stand up routines in pubs and clubs around the country as well as more TV shows. Mike landed the role of Frank Butcher in the hit British soap EastEnders in 1987.  Mike found the depression storyline of 1994 very difficult to deal with. Because he gets so involved in the part of Frank, Mike found it increasingly difficult to shake him off when he left the set.   Mike says he prefers the shooting schedule on EastEnders nowadays to the way it was before. He never liked rehearsals feeling that "the more you mess about with it the less spontaneous it gets". On several occasions the press have offered him under the counter payments to reveal future EastEnders storylines but he has always refused. He doesn't feel it’s fair on the viewers to spoil the suspense.

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