Richard Beckinsale "Bloody Kids", which then had to be re-cast. This role marked a change in direction for Beckinsale, being a more hard-nosed character than those he had played before. Three days after his death, "Going Straight" won a BAFTA award. Barker delivered a brief acceptance speech in tribute to his co-star. Plans had been drawn up to make a film version of Beckinsale's other successful sitcom "Rising Damp" and ultimately the film was made in 1980. Christopher Strauli was recruited to replace Beckinsale, playing a different character. In 2000, 21 years after his death, a documentary was broadcast on ITV in
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,