Living in London for tax purposes in 1972, I read that Spike Milligan would be signing copies of his new book, Adolf Hitler—My Part in His Downfall, at Hatchards in Piccadilly. I’d never been to a book signing before but Spike was a hero of mine and I arrived early. I lurked near where he was obviously going to sit and by the time he arrived, a long queue spilled out into the street. For over an hour Spike signed books and he was brilliant. A man asked him if he’d please sign a book for his wife.

‘Certainly,’ said Spike. ‘What’s her name?’