Don Estelle Pickfords man in one episode (1969) and an ARP Warden called Gerald in three more (1970). He eventually landed the role of Gunner "Lofty" Sugden in the British sitcom, "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" which was first broadcast in 1974 and ran until 1981. Windsor Davies often took the micky out of Lofty in the episodes. The character was given the ironic nickname of "Lofty" because of Estelle's short stature. Estelle had a powerful tenor voice, and had a Number 1 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1975 with a semi-comic version of "Whispering Grass", followed by a cover
Fred Van Buren gloves, a claim which he strenuously denied. Possibly his most famous illusion in this genre is his fantastic vanish of a motorcycle and rider which has since been presented for the amazements of audiences all over the world. This idea came to Van Buren in 1976 during a summer season with Windsor Davies and Don Estelle at the Pavilion Theatre in Hastings. The Magic Circle heard about the illusion and even before it was finished booked Van Buren to perform in their 1976 Christmas Show at the Collegiate Theatre in London. The first televised performance of this new unique illusion