Two stalwarts passed this last week. Michael Angelis, with whom I worked on Alan Bleasdale’s GBH died at the weekend. Mike made it all look so easy. His acting seemed effortless and he made the characters he played fit so comfortably that he must have been a writer’s dream. He was the most kind and generous actor, and helped me through some difficult scenes. And at the end of the day, when work was done, I couldn’t have wished for better company. And a voice you wanted to listen to for the rest of your life.

Another irreplaceable loss was that of Jonathan Benson, First Assistant director on dozens of films, including Life Of Brian and A Fish Called Wanda. He was the heart and soul of so many film sets, controlling what was going on with a deceptive cover of quiet jokes and carefully crafted irony – which of course endeared him to all Pythons, who liked to enjoy themselves at work, and be organised at the same time. ‘Very good, in many ways’ was his enigmatic but effective response to any take, however good or bad.

I loved working with him, as we all did, and I shall associate him with some very happy days.