Mr. Humphries Mr. Humphries Mr. Wilberforce Clayborne Humphries is a fictional character from the BBC1 comedy show, "Are You Being Served?". He was played by John Inman from 1972 to 1985. The character was played by actor Jason Watkins in the 2016 revival which formed part of BBC Television's Landmarks of Comedy season. Mr. Wilberforce Claybourne Humphries, born 1938/9, is the junior menswear assistant. His sexuality is used as a catalyst for many comedic situations and one-liners. Mr. Humphries is particularly noted for his mincing walk and his high pitched voice, which he discards when answering the phone (which he answers with
Captain Peacock his tongue (as their more carefree, relaxed attitude towards work clashes with his more professional demeanor). He sometimes clashes with the Senior Assistant of the menswear department, whether that be Mr. Grainger, Mr. Tebbs, Mr. Goldberg, Mr. Grossman, or Mr Klein, usually over a matter that involves the menswear department having to share floor or counter space with the ladies' department. He also irritated them whenever anything involving a promotion or the company boardroom was mentioned; they would become jealous as he had been at the store longer, while Peacock seemed to relish the opportunity to reinforce his senior position.