Ronald Crabtree (30 April 1930 – 2 February 1976) known by his stage name Danny Ross, was a British comedian best remembered for his role alongside Jimmy Clitheroe in the long running BBC Radio comedy show The Clitheroe Kid (1957–1973).[1][2][3]
Ross played the part of "Alfie Hall", the dim witted, mismatched boyfriend of Jimmy's posh sister "Susan" (Diana Day).[4] Alfie Hall was a name Danny Ross had used prior to The Clitheroe Kid, including during a television series in 1956 entitled I'm Not Bothered... which followed the exploits of milkman "Alf Hall" and his stuttering mate, "Wally Binns" (Glenn Melvyn).[5] The phrase "I'm not bothered..." was occasionally used by Danny Ross in The Clitheroe Kid as a catchphrase, in indecisive (but not unfriendly) responses when given a decision by girlfriend "Susan".
Danny had made his reputation in comedy by starring alongside Arthur Askey and Glenn Melvyn in The Love Match – a hit stage comedy presented for a summer season at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool, in 1953, that led to the spin-off TV series Love and Kisses.[6][7] He had also starred in the George Formby role in the revival of the stage musical Zip Goes a Million, and later made a pop record of Formby's hit song "The Old Bazaar in Cairo".[8]
Personal life
Danny Ross was born in Oldham, Lancashire, England on 30 April 1930, the only son of John William Crabtree (1895–1964), a cotton spinner, and his wife, Martha Jane (née Grady, 23 August 1895 – 1979). He was taken ill on New Year's Day 1976, en route to London with his manager to arrange a new show. He died of a heart attack at Blackpool's Victoria Hospital, on 2 February 1976 at the age of 45.
Filmography
1. "Just Jimmy (TV Series) (ABC-tv)" .... Cousin Danny (51 episodes, 1964–1968)
^Stephen Poppitt; Sandra Skuse (2006), Manchester Television Personalities, Manchester Film and Television Celebrities, archived from the original on 13 October 2008
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