Acting

Bella Emberg

Born 1937-09-16 · Brighton, East Sussex, England, UK

Bella Emberg (born Sybil Dyke 16 September 1937 in Brighton, Sussex, England, UK) is a British actress who appeared on The Benny Hill Show and The Russ Abbot Show, where she played Blunderwoman. She has also featured in Softly, Softly and Z Cars, as well as having small roles in Grange Hill as a cleaner. Her professional debut was in weekly repertory in Ryde, Isle of Wight — the summer season 1962. She made a guest appearance in The Basil Brush Show, and also featured in Doctor Who, a total of three times. In the 1970s, she had uncredited roles in the Third Doctor serials Doctor Who and the Silurians and The Time Warrior. In 2006, she was seen in the Tenth Doctor episode "Love & Monsters", where she played Mrs Croot. A second appearance as Mrs Croot was recorded for "The Runaway Bride" but cut before transmission. She played the part of Aunt Barbara in the Second series of the CBBC programme "Bear Behaving Badly" in 2008, the third series in 2009, and the fourth in 2010.

Acting credits

6.7

An uproarious version of history that proves nothing is sacred – not even the Roman Empire, the French Revolution and the Spanish Inquisition.

History of the World: Part I

1981

In 1977 the Old Bailey saw the start of the first trial for blasphemy in this country for over half a century. Begun by Mary Whitehouse against the homosexual newspaper Gay News, it ended in a conviction, heavy fines and a suspended prison sentence for the editor. An appeal is pending. Was this prosecution an attack on free speech? Or was it a necessary defence of the principle that, even in a permissive society, some things must remain sacred? This dramatised documentary reconstructs the crucial moments of this historic trial, and explores the issues it raises. Peter France questions the people on both sides, including Mary Whitehouse and Denis Lemon, Editor, Gay News, about their actions and reactions during the case.

Blasphemy at the Old Bailey

1977

A documentary looking at the life of Benny Hill and with the use of an audience reaction test finding out if he is still funny to contemporary audiences.

Is Benny Hill Still Funny?

2006

5.9

A young boy's lucky t-shirt is transformed through a power surge and gives its wearer super-powers.

Sammy's Super T-Shirt

1978