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
Mr. Humphries a booming, deep-pitched "Menswear!"). He had one of the most famous catchphrases of the era: when asked by a colleague, "Mr. Humphries, are you free? [to serve someone]", he always gives the camp response, "I'm free!" He often arrives at work in outrageous attire, ranging from punk rock clothing and hair, motorcycle leather jacket and chaps and sailor uniform, with an equally outrageous accounting of his previous night's activities and efforts to nonetheless make it to work on time. Mr. Humphries frequently speaks of a companion or companions referred to only as "my friend." The precise status of this friend