I have a confession to make. One that will astound my loyal band of devoted followers ( I know you're out there, folks! ). Here it is: I actually like The Grumbleweeds.

There I've said it. Now the world can carry on as before.

Why, I hear you ask? Weren't they those idiots who used to be on I.T.V. on Saturday evenings back in the '80's, a couple of them had no teeth, while the others capered about in front of tacky sets, doing jokes straight out of 'The Beano'? Well, yes.

I can't pretend that The Grumbleweeds broke new ground in comedy, or anything fancy like that. They were just funny. Robin Colvill's 'Jimmy Saville' impression made me roar ( J.S. himself was a fan ), while the Sutcliffe brothers ( Albert and Carl ) looked so gormless you could not help but laugh. Graham Walker used to put me in mind of Charlie Drake, As for Maurice Lee ( the bearded one ) he was the lemon of the group, but that didn't matter. Every group has to have a lemon.

I used to watch The Grumbleweeds before going out on Saturdays. It put me in a good mood for the evening. The jokes were terrible but that wasn't the point. Like Tommy Cooper or Freddie Starr, The Grumbleweeds got laughs simply by being there. I think its a pity they haven't had the recognition they deserve.