Harry H. Corbett rose from the slums of Manchester to become one of the best-known television stars of the 20th century.

Widely respected as a classical stage actor, he became a leading light in Joan Littlewoods Theatre Workshop until his life was changed forever by the television comedy Steptoe And Son. Overnight he became a household name as the series drew unparalleled viewing figures of over 28 million, with fans ranging from the working classes to the Royal Family. However, the glittering lights of show business couldn't hide the scars he bore from his time in the Royal Marines during the Second World War.

With the Marines he travelled through Europe before ending up in Asia, where he saw first hand the devastation wrought by the Hiroshima bomb. Naturally shy and a committed socialist, fame and fortune didn't sit easily on his shoulders, and for the next twenty years, until his untimely death at the age of only 57, he had to learn how to be 'Arold.

Written by his daughter, Susannah Corbett, an acclaimed actor herself, this is the first biography of Harry H. Corbett, the man who was once described as being the English Marlon Brando.

First published: Wednesday 30th November 2011