George Martin (comedian) of the day. He wrote for the first TV series of Irish comedian Dave Allen; "Tonight with Dave Allen", as well as material for artistes such as Rolf Harris, Jimmy Tarbuck, Paul Daniels, Harry Worth and Tommy Cooper. He became the main writer and ideas man, as well as script and production associate, for renowned magician David Nixon. When the then unknown legendary fox puppet, Basil Brush, appeared as a weekly guest on "The Nixon Line", Martin helped develop the character and subsequently was the sole writer of every Basil Brush show for many years, (throughout the 1960s and 70s).
Basil and Barney's Swap Shop and comedy sketches, as well as the "swap shop" itself (the studio audience brought items to exchange for this feature). Unlike the original series, this new format regularly features gungings for those taking part in the games. A total of three series were produced. In series 3, the name of the programme was changed to "Basil and Barney's Swap Shop". The first series ran for thirteen episodes of one hour. In addition to main presenters Basil Brush and Barney Harwood, Melvin Odoom (ex regular of "Dick and Dom In Da Bungalow" and regular of "The Slammer") was a featured performer