At the start of the '60's, Tony Hancock decided he did not wish to continue with the use of a support cast and so dropped having Sid James as his regular comedy partner. Luckily for Sid, he landed his own show scripted by Ray Galton & Alan Simpson ( who also were dropped as Tony's regular writers ).
'Citizen James' had Sid as an animated version of himself ( and by that I don't mean a cartoon version of himself ). Flat capped Sidney Balmoral James is a workshy layabout who always looks for ways to make easy money without having to work for a living.
Liz Fraser appeared in the first series as his frustrated fiancee, as did Bill Kerr as his Antipodean friend. However, by the second series, they left and Sid formed a double act with Sidney Tafler as his bookie friend Charlie.
Three series were made in total. It was nothing overly special but it was more than adequate a way to give Sid regular television exposure. Whilst Tony's career went downhill after his decision to go solo, Sid's career looked to be on the up. He would later find greater success on ITV with 'George & The Dragon', 'Two In Clover' and 'Bless This House', as well as finding cinematic success with the 'Carry On' films.
After 'Citizen James' finished, Galton & Simpson also found greater success when they penned the long running 'Steptoe & Son'
'Citizen James' had Sid as an animated version of himself ( and by that I don't mean a cartoon version of himself ). Flat capped Sidney Balmoral James is a workshy layabout who always looks for ways to make easy money without having to work for a living.
Liz Fraser appeared in the first series as his frustrated fiancee, as did Bill Kerr as his Antipodean friend. However, by the second series, they left and Sid formed a double act with Sidney Tafler as his bookie friend Charlie.
Three series were made in total. It was nothing overly special but it was more than adequate a way to give Sid regular television exposure. Whilst Tony's career went downhill after his decision to go solo, Sid's career looked to be on the up. He would later find greater success on ITV with 'George & The Dragon', 'Two In Clover' and 'Bless This House', as well as finding cinematic success with the 'Carry On' films.
After 'Citizen James' finished, Galton & Simpson also found greater success when they penned the long running 'Steptoe & Son'