as he must have turned any honours down

Went to an audience with the great man today at the NFT. Was a mixture of thirty/fortysomethings and kids all whose childhood has been enhanced by one of our most cherished actors. From Carry On,. The Railway Children, Jackanory, The Wombles, Two Way Stretch, Fawlty Towers and of course Doctor Who he just fucking shines.

Throughout the afternoon he was funny, quick witted and unbearably sweet and kind. I now know what David Tennant meant when he said 'I would be proud if you were my father'. Brimful of anaecdotes he mused on the likelihood of Madame Cholet and Great Uncle Bulgaria getting jiggy wit it and producing new little Wombles.

He also touched on his recording career and wondered why George Martin decided on recording the Beatles rather than more with him. 'More value out of four of em for the price of one' was his conclusion

His bit was followed by the 'Dalek Invasion Of Earth' movie which is cheesy but fun. His slspstick skills in the Roboman canteen scene are still a joy to watch.

After the screening he literally skipped past my seat exclaiming 'They don't make em like that anymore!'. I understand he later appeared and signed n shook hands with everyone who waited around afterwards

A true national treasure - asked on what he put his long n sucessful career down to he said 'Being available'.

I hope I have his joi de vivre and boundless energy at 80+