Fanny Cradock

Born: 1909-02-26

Between the mid-50s and mid-70s, Fanny Cradock (born Phyllis Nan Sortain Pechey) was a household name in the UK for her television appearances as a no-nonsense, abrasive chef. Her partner, Johnnie Cradock, often played the part of her henpecked onscreen husband, though they didn't actually get married until 1977, after her TV career had ended. Cradock's reputation was such that a dramatisation, Fear of Fanny (2006), was made, and she was a target for parody, often impersonated by Benny Hill and others. Although a regular personality on television, her career is generally regarded as having ended after an appearance on The Big Time: Gwen Troake's Banquet (1976), where her rudeness to an amateur chef led to the BBC terminating her contract. In later years Fanny was involved in the chat show circuit, including Wogan: Episode #6.94 (1986). Although her role as a TV chef takes prominence in her public persona, she was also a restaurant critic and writer, authoring over 20 novels for adults, 10 novels for children, two autobiographies and multiple cookery and travel books. She died in December 1994, aged 85.


Placeholder

Alice Through the Looking Box

as Duchess
Released: 1960-12-25

A Christmas TV special in which Alice does not go through a looking glass, but through a TV set.

Movie page

Cookery Hints AKA Cooking Tips

as Self
Released: 1957-02-18

Little film showing a few tips on how to present food graciously. The famous husband and wife...

Movie page

Wogan

as Self
First aired: 1982-05-04

Chat show hosted by Terry Wogan, featuring live studio interviews with famous and notable...

TV Show page

Fanny Cradock Cooks for Christmas

as uncredited
First aired: 1975-12-15

Fanny presents a collection of traditional Christmas recipes from the 1970s. Petit fours,...

TV Show page