Family Fortunes a large electronic board, known as "Mr. Babbage", which famously sounds a wrong answer "Eh-uhh" sound effect and its accompanying X to signal the strike, as well as a "ding" (for a right answer). "Family Fortunes" was first hosted by comedian Bob Monkhouse (1980–83) then by singer and entertainer Max Bygraves (1983–85). After being rested for the whole of 1986, the show returned on 27 June 1987 with Les Dennis as presenter, and had a consistently successful run for the next 15 years. It was then moved out of peak time and became a daily daytime show hosted by Andy
Max Bygraves show, "Do Re Mi" at London’s Prince of Wales Theatre. In 1977, UK Publishing House W. H. Allen published Bygraves' comic novel "The Milkman's on His Way". From 1983 to 1985, Bygraves hosted "Family Fortunes", taking over from his friend and fellow comedian Bob Monkhouse. He would later be succeeded as host in 1987 by Les Dennis. In 1982, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). Bygraves married WAAF sergeant Gladys "Blossom" Murray in 1942. The couple had three children: Christine, Anthony and Maxine. Bygraves also had three other children from extramarital affairs: John