THE OF DAD’S ARMY

IT’S now almost exactly 50 years since the strains of Who Do You Think You Are Kidding, Mr Hitler? announced the arrival of a comedy sensation on British TV.

Dad’s Army, which ran for 80 episodes from 1968 to 1977, transformed our understanding of the Home Guard – our last line of defence against a Nazi invasion which, mercifully, never came.

The series, written by David Croft and Jimmy Perry, gently portrayed our aged but lion- brave defenders as a slightlypotty rag- tag of old soldiers, shirkers, bossyboots, gripers and, most of all, heroes.

The enduring appeal of the show has amazed those who view our glorious past with a left- wing sneer.

Just last week, Ian Lavender, who played Private “Stupid Boy” Pike in the series, revealed his character’s father was none other than suave Sgt Arthur Wilson – answering an enigma that has intrigued three generations of viewers.

After surviving cancer and a heart attack, Lavender, 72, was hit by a potentially deadly condition during a brief return to EastEnders.

He joined the soap in 2001 as Derek Harkinson, a gay friend of Pauline Fowler, and left in 2005 returning in 2016, only to succumb to sepsis.

Lavender said he would like to be in EastEnders again but after his sepsis diagnosis fears the show wouldn’t be able to insure him.

His illness, and the fact he is one of only TWO Dad’s Army survivors – the other being vicar Frank Williams – is taken by some as proof the show is CURSED.

Today, as the show prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, we examine the evidence for The Curse of Dad’s Army…