Ben Elton is an atheist. Elton studied at Stillness Junior School and Godalming Grammar School in Surrey, South Warwickshire College in Stratford-upon-Avon and the University of Manchester. His first television appearance was a stand-up performance on the BBC1 youth and music programme, The "Oxford Road Show". His first TV success, at 23, came as co-writer of the television sitcom, "The Young Ones", in which he occasionally appeared. In 1983/84 he wrote and appeared in Granada Television's sketch show "Alfresco", which was also notable for early appearances by Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson and Robbie Coltrane. In 1985, Elton produced his first
Thick as Thieves (TV series) as Annie Johnny Briggs as Spiggy Michael Robbins as Sergeant Black Dick Clenent and Ian La Frenais had written the successful sitcom "Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads" (follow-up to their previous 1960's hit series, "The Likely Lads"). This success led to their writing for "Seven of One" in 1973, a series of seven individual comedy playlets starring Ronnie Barker. Each 30-minute segment from different writers each would be considered potential 'pilot' which if decided it had the potential could be developed into a series in its own right. Clement and LaFrenais's contribution was "Prisoner And Escort" featuring Fletcher, an