Richard Beckinsale subject of an episode of "This Is Your Life". Beckinsale quit "Rising Damp" in 1977, the same year that "Porridge" was brought to an end with his character of Godber being released from his prison sentence in the final episode. He subsequently starred alongside Barker in "Going Straight", a spin-off of "Porridge" in which the two criminal characters are seen on the outside rebuilding their lives. In 1977, he starred in a radio comedy series called "Albert and Me" with Pat Coombs and John Comer. At the beginning of 1979, Beckinsale made a film version of "Porridge". It was to
Richard Beckinsale drama class. As a result, he won a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, turning professional in 1968. He then moved to Crewe to begin in repertory theatre, like most newly graduated actors at the time, and then made his television debut in 1969 as a police officer in "Coronation Street", in which he had to arrest veteran character Ena Sharples. Beckinsale acquired his first starring role in 1970 as Geoffrey in the sitcom "The Lovers", opposite fellow newcomer Paula Wilcox. The show put both lead performers in the public eye and, like many sitcoms of the time,