Hello, Darlings!: The Authorised Biography of Kenny Everett

I remember the first time I saw Kenny Everett on TV. I was around 11, maybe 12 years old, and The Kenny Everett Video Show was airing on RTE 2, Ireland's second TV station. Ireland of the late 1970's/early 80's, was very strait laced, so one can imagine the reaction of some viewers upon viewing Cuddly Ken. As for me, I loved him.

Hello Darlings was like a trip down memory lane. All those characters I'd laughed at, such as Captain Kremmen and Sid Snot. Freddie Mercury dressing up as Sid Snot for the Eurovision Violence Contest. Classic!

And I will be forever grateful that Kenny played Bohemian Rhapsody in its entirety on his radio show, as that was the start of my love for Queen. 🎙📻

Hello Darlings is one of the best biographies I have read in recent times. It has been wonderfully researched, and very well written. I learned a lot about Cuddly Ken, his early years in Liverpool, and his later struggles with his sexuality. I warmed to him even more, the more I read.

The final chapters were difficult to read and, yes, I cried at the poignancy of Kenny's final months, and the loss that was felt by those who knew and loved him. Despite the tears, I enjoyed this book immensely.