The comedian who survived a studio pillory accident
In short: In 1992, a television host fell face-first onto concrete after a piece of studio equipment toppled. For Bobby Davro, a star of 1980s sketch comedy, this near-disaster was a minor miracle that left him with whiplash but no broken teeth.
Robert Christopher Nankeville, known professionally as Bobby Davro, rose to prominence in 1983 following his television debut on Live from Her Majesty's. Throughout the 1980s, he became a staple of ITV variety programming, appearing in the sketch show Copy Cats and fronting a string of his own successful Saturday night series, including Bobby Davro on the Box (1985) and Davro's Sketch Pad (1989). His comedic repertoire even extended to children's television, notably performing impressions of characters like Zippy and Bungle on the show Rainbow in 1987. He also served as a co-presenter on the BBC's Saturday morning programme Live & Kicking, working alongside Peter Simon.
His career has been marked by both high-profile transitions and physical setbacks. In 1992, while hosting the BBC's Public Enemy Number One, a poorly secured pillory fell, projecting him onto the studio floor. While the accident was not broadcast, it was later featured in a BBC safety video. Later, in 2024, at age 65, Davro suffered a minor stroke after a performance in Coulsdon, leading to a temporary hiatus from the stage. The 1992 incident, which left him with whiplash for several weeks, was even referenced in the 2018 Halloween special of Inside No. 9. His family history is also notable, as his father, Bill Nankeville, was an Olympic runner and world-record holder.
Beyond sketch comedy, Davro has navigated various facets of British entertainment. He played Vinnie Monks in EastEnders from 2007 to 2008 and participated in reality competitions such as Celebrity Big Brother, where he finished fourth in 2015. His theatrical work includes roles in pantomimes such as Cinderella and Aladdin; meanwhile, he is currently travelling with fresh content, including his 2025 production, Everything is Funny if You Can Laugh at it. In the realm of competition, he secured second place on the Channel 4 series Come Dine with Me in 2009. He has also been a dedicated supporter of the charity Kids 'n' Cancer.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Bobby Davro
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