Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Image shows from L to R: Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall), Dove Cooper (Amanda Redman). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
The script, written by Simon Nye, focuses on some of the darker aspects of Cooper's life:
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
Tommy was married to Gwen, whom he adored and affectionately nicknamed Dove. She is played by Amanda Redman in this drama:
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Image shows from L to R: Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall), Dove Cooper (Amanda Redman). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
However, the much-loved comedian also fell in love with assistant Mary Kay and embarked upon a relationship that would last 17 years. Mary is played by Helen McCrory:
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Image shows from L to R: Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall), Mary Kay (Helen McCrory). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
The late nights and post-show drinks were taking their toll on Tommy's health, and Dove tried to convince him that TV work was enough. But touring was where his heart lay and he asked Mary to join him:
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Image shows from L to R: Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall), Mary Kay (Helen McCrory). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
The two hour film also focuses on Tommy's working relationship with his agent, Miff Ferrie (played by Gregor Fisher):
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Image shows from L to R: Miff Ferrie (Gregor Fisher), Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
Familiar faces in the cast include Jason Manford, who portrays magic shop owner Ken Brooke:
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Image shows from L to R: Ken Brooke (Jason Manford), Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Image shows from L to R: Eric Morecambe (Bob Golding), Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall), Eric Sykes (Paul Ritter). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures
Don't miss Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. It's on ITV on Monday 21st April 2014 at 9pm:
Tommy Cooper: Not Like That, Like This. Tommy Cooper (David Threlfall). Copyright: Left Bank Pictures