TV
Dad's Army writers forced to make major script change after star's sudden death
Dad's Army first hit screens in July 1968, introducing BBC viewers to a group of soldiers as they prepared for the seemingly inevitable Nazi invasion of British soil. Set against the backdrop of the Second World War, the beloved sitcom followed the exploits of the Walmington-on-Sea Guard. With its British humour and nostalgic charm alongside unforgettable characters, the series quickly became a timeless classic.
TL;DR
- Dad's Army, a sitcom about soldiers preparing for a Nazi invasion, first aired in July 1968.
- James Beck, who played Private Joe Walker, died suddenly in 1973 at age 44 from pancreatitis, heart, and renal failure.
- His death caused significant distress to the cast, with writers contemplating ending the show.
- Instead of a major farewell, Beck's character was written out by stating he had "gone to the smoke" (London).
- The cast discussed their grief and uncertainty about continuing the series in a 2021 Channel 5 documentary.