Johnnie Casson
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Johnnie Casson is an English comedian. He was (born 23 April 1943 in Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire. He has appeared on numerous occasions on British television, on ITV's The Comedians and many guest spots on Des O'Connor Tonight.
Early Career
After school Casson joined a band called The Crestas as their drummer. The Crestas supported The Beatles on their first tour of Scotland, and worked many major cabaret venues, such as Batley Variety Club, Wakefield Theatre Club, Ceasers Palace, The Maltings, where they backed Tammy Wynette on several TV specials. With The Cresters he appeared regularly on TV shows such as Cliff Richard & Friends and gaining an army of fans when the band were selected for a long residency on Granada TV.
While on the cabaret circuit Casson not only drummed, but started performing comedy. The comedy gradually became more popular than the music and in 1984, whilst on a family holiday at Butlins Holiday Camp, his wife entered him into that week's talent contest. He won the contest, which meant a free holiday to appear in the regional finals, which he again won. The grand final was held at the famous London Palladium and Casson was again the judges choice. Following this, and a winning slot on Hughie Green's Opportunity Knocks, Johnnie decided it was time to break from the group set off on the road as a solo stand up comedian.
TV Highlights
1987 ITV “Summer Time Special” 1992 ITV “The New Comedians” (Featured in all five shows) ITV “Celebrity Squares”. 1993 BBC1 “Rock With Laughter” ITV “Comedians Christmas Cracker” 1995 ITV “Talking Telephone Numbers” GRANADA/LWT “Live From The Lillydrome “ SKY ONE “Stand & Deliver” 1996 BBC 1 "Gag-Tag" (at the personal request of Bob Monkhouse) SKY ONE "Stand & Deliver” ITV "Des O'Connor Tonight", “Talking Telephone Numbers” 1998 ITV “Des O’Connor Tonight”, “Bruce Forsyth's 70th Birthday Live from the London Palladium” "Des O Connor Tonight”(again) CHANNEL 5 “Jack Docherty Show” 1999 ITV “Des O’Connor Tonight” CHANNEL 5 “Big Stage” 2000 ITV “Tonight at the London Palladium” BBC 1 “Jim Davidson Presents” BBCTV “Money In The Bank” 2001 ITV “Des O’Connor Christmas Show” 2002 - 2006 ITV "Des & Mel" (6 appearance) 2007 C4 "Countdown" (Dictionary Corner"