After the transmission of Ray Galton & Alan Simpsons comedy playhouse play "The Offer", the BBC realised the
potential of this comedy format and talks began with the writers and actors to plan a six episode series.
Wilfrid was offered the part but refused point blank as he had seen many a comedy series slip silently into anonymity
on the death of the inspiration of there script writers.
After further talks and the BBC upping the ante, wilfrid reluctantly agreed to play the part of Albert Steptoe.
Harry H Corbett also agreed to star as Harold in a series of Steptoe & Son as he thought it was just another acting job.
Little then did both actors and writers know how much of a hit Steptoe & Son was to become.
The very first episode was a remake of 'The Offer' and from then onwards the viewing ratings went through the roof!!
As each episode was transmitted the viewing ratings just went higher and higher, Steptoe & Son was here to stay!
It was very well known that Wilfrid loved playing the part of Albert and enjoyed the publics attention outside of filming.
Outside acting hours Wilfrid was a happy go lucky 5 feet 2 inches tall well mannered gentleman who loved life to the full.
He had many high society friends and would eat and drink in many of the west end pubs and clubs, he loved his Gin!
He was completely different to his Albert Steptoe charactar, his dress was very smart and always looked proud.
His hobbies included collecting Records, Travellin and aquiring all sorts of interesting objects from antique rings to
tapestry fire screens, in a way he was a bit of a cleptoe himself!
Whilst living in 'Pimlico', Wilfrid became friends with a real rag and bone men in the area, "Tom" and his horse "Sammy".
On many occasions whilst passing, 'Tom' would give Wilfrid a lift on his horse and cart which Wilfrid enjoyed immensely.
Wilfrid bowed and waved to the laughing / stunned public upon there journey down Denbigh Street to Victoria.