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Thursday, 25 December 2008, 10:30PM – 11:30PM ITV1

Comedy legend Stanley Baxter comes out of retirement to step briefly back into the spotlight in a nostalgic look back at his life and work, Stanley Baxter – Now & Then for ITV1.

Comedy actor and impressionist Stanley Baxter, seldom seen interviewed, will take viewers, for the first time ever, back across his illustrious career shown through a wealth of much loved classic clips, fond memories and funny anecdotes.

At the sprightly age of 82, comedy veteran, Stanley Baxter, leaves retirement behind to bring a multi-character performance, centred around new material, the Queen’s Christmas message, to our screens, created especially for this television event. Stanley was the first impersonator to mimic the Queen and the Pope, which was to attract its own controversy and turn Stanley Baxter into a household name.

A host of Britain’s comedy stars, including, Victoria Wood, Ronnie Corbett, Rory Bremner, Eddie Izzard and Paul O’Grady will give an insight into the influence Stanley has had on them in their early years as comedy performers.

In its heyday, The Stanley Baxter Show quickly became a show synonymous with unforgettable comedy, packed with lavish costumes and sets that rapidly earned the show many BAFTA nominations and awards.

Viewers will see Stanley reunited with Rosemary Field, original make-up artist on The Stanley Baxter Show, for which she received a BAFTA Craft Award. Hazel Pethig, original wardrobe, renowned for her work on classic comedy film, Monty Python And The Holy Grail and body double, George Howse, will also join Stanley from his retirement.