Last of the Summer Wine star Ken Kitson turns 80 in Scarborough and receives special birthday tribute

Born in Bradford, Ken has enjoyed a distinguished acting career spanning more than five decades.

Television audiences know him from popular series including The Last of the Summer Wine, Wexford, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Casualty, Heartbeat and many other productions.

Throughout his career he has earned a reputation as one of Britain's most respected character actors, admired for his warmth, humour and unmistakable screen presence. Now happily settled in Scarborough, Ken remains a much-loved figure whose work has entertained millions of viewers across Britain. To mark this special milestone, friends have created a unique birthday tribute: an original 80-line poem, with one line dedicated to each year of Ken's life. As he celebrates this landmark birthday, friends and admirers wish Ken a wonderful day and thank him for the immense contribution he has made to British television and theatre over the course of his remarkable career. The full poem, reproduced below reads:

Eighty lines from a script

Today we raise our glasses high,

To Yorkshire's finest, charming guy.

From Bradford streets to stage and screen,

You've lived a life that's quite serene.

You left the printing trade behind,

To chase the dreams inside your mind.

At East 15 your craft took flight,

Preparing you for every light.

Your screen debut came long ago,

In Barry McKenzie—off you'd go. A fight arranger, bold and keen,

The first of countless roles you've seen.

Then through the seventies, one by one,

The great TV adventures spun.

The Professionals, sharp and slick,

You fitted every role so quick.

The Sweeney called, then Minder too,

Each casting found the best in you.

Danger UXB, wartime strain,

Yet you made every scene sustain.

With All Creatures great and small,

You won the hearts of one and all.

No role too tiny, none too grand,

You always had the steadiest hand.

Then came dear Mapp and Lucia's days,

Where Cadman earned delighted praise.

You filled each moment with such grace,

A knowing smile upon your face.

Miss Marple welcomed you aboard,

Where mystery was your reward.

Then Rumblebuffin, giant tall,

In Narnia you charmed us all.

The brass bands played in Brassed Off,

Your tough debt collector looked rough.

Yet audiences all understood,

That underneath—you still were good.

You popped in Coronation Street,

With every visit quite a treat.

A different face, a different name,

Yet every part improved the game.

Inspector Stowe pursued the crooks,

With watchful eyes and knowing looks.

In The Cops you stood so true,

The perfect bobby through and through.

Then came the role we all adore,

The one remembered evermore.

Good old PC Cooper, what a gem,

A legend in that Yorkshire glen.

For twenty-seven joyful years,

You gave us laughter, smiles and cheers.

In Last of the Summer Wine,

Your timing simply was divine.

You chased old Compo here and there,

With endless patience, gentle care.

You'd scold, you'd sigh, you'd shake your head,

Yet never wished the fun was dead.

You solved some crimes with Wexford too,

As Sergeant Martin, calm and true.

From Heartbeat, Casualty, The Bill,

You showed your talent, depth and skill.

Emmerdale, Shameless, more besides,

Your brilliant journey never hides.

A face that Britain came to know,

Wherever great TV would go.

No flashing ego, no grand fuss,

Just quiet class inspiring us.

A character actor? That won't do -

The characters came alive through you.

These eighty lines are penned with care,

One for each year you've chosen to share.

A life well lived, so rich and true -

Every single line's a toast to you.

May birthdays bring both joy and fun,

With family, friends, and everyone.

Happy 80th, Ken—take a bow,

You're Britain's favourite copper now!

Long may your laughter fill the air,

With kindness, warmth beyond compare.

Here's to the man we've loved for years -

Happy Birthday, Ken! Three cheers!

-Andy Miles and Britt Moulien