Nigel's not clowning with book

Nigel Male is a 48-year-old electrician from Andover, Hampshire whose happiest memories are of watching super clown Charlie Cairoli on TV back in the 1970s.

In fact, Nigel is so inspired by the ace entertainer he has spent the last 26 years compiling his book, ‘Charlie Cairoli - 39 years under The Tower’, planned for a 2020 release.

It was at The Tower that Charlie (inset) really made his name with big top fans, performing brilliant slapstick routines at the venue for almost 40 years until retirement in 1979 and helping to make it one of Britain’s top circus attractions.

But the Italian-born star, who died in 1980 aged 70, gained a whole new fan base when he took to the small screen for a new venture, a children’s TV show called Right Charlie!, which ran from 1974 to ‘76.

One of its most avid viewers was Nigel, who never forgot the show, although sadly he never did get to see Charlie at the Tower Circus.

Nigel, who also co-founded the Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society and has liaised with Charlie’s family and son Charlie Jr, said: “He was my childhood hero and I’m still a fan.

“There was something magical about Charlie and that interest hasn’t faded, even after all this time.

“I’ve virtually finished the book now except for one chapter, which will include input from other fans and their memories, or people who worked with Charlie.”

Anyone who has such stories can email Nigel at nigel.charliecairoli.co.uk