One of the Goodie guys: Comic hails lost funnyman and firm friend

Rory and wife Tessa Campbell Fraser at the Newbury races in November of the festival. “There was a huge queue for the David Frost signing and it was the night of England vs Sweden, so he was desperate to see the game,” Rory recalled.

“I can still see him looking up in despair, asking how many more do I have to sign. That was funny.

“AA Gill was an extraordinary one. He talked about his alcoholism and about the time his father drove him to a clinic. He had pulled into a lay-by and brought out a bottle of champagne and two glasses, so they could have a last drink together.

“As he told the story on stage, the tears began to roll down his cheeks. We spoke at the festival in June, he was diagnosed with cancer in September and died in December. “Judy Murray was also a memorable one, as she explained the struggles of getting Andy and

Jamie through the system, and where they got to. Everyone just stood up at the end to give her a standing ovation.”

Rory will take part in a number of virtual festivals throughout the summer, including the Edinburgh Fringe, but looks forward to the day when we can all congregate in person for a live comedy show.

“It’s going to be one of the last things to come back, because it’s all about groups coming together – part of the joy of the Fringe is being crammed together in adapted spaces,” he added.

“The situation is desperate and a big worry, especially for those who are gigging three or four times a week in smaller venues. After all, live comedy is the breeding ground for the TV writers and performers of the future.”

Comedy – particularly satire

– is required now as much as ever, according to Rory, who also contributed to Spitting Image.

“Humour, like music, is one of those things we share,” he said.

“We’re not sharing it live just now, but we are sharing it on social media and with our friends.

“It’s good and bad times for satire – it thrives on grotesques, but it’s hard to be more ridiculous than some of these narcissistic charlatans in charge across the world.

“You couldn’t make it up – but Trump does.”