Why Ronnie Barker Regretted His Iconic Four Candles Sketch

Ronnie Barker, a titan of British entertainment, continues to evoke gratitude and nostalgia years after his heyday. Rising to stardom in the 1960s, his unforgettable role in BBC’s beloved sitcom Porridge was merely the beginning. Teaming up with Ronnie Corbett, Barker helped create one of the most iconic sketch shows of all time, The Two Ronnies. The duo’s chemistry and razor-sharp wit resonated with audiences, culminating in a run that spanned over a decade.

Debuting in 1971, The Two Ronnies quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning Barker a BAFTA in the same year. With viewership peaks reaching a staggering 18.5 million, the show produced timeless sketches, including the legendary “Four Candles.” Originally airing in 1976, this sketch earned the title of the greatest in the show’s history, although Barker had lingering regrets about its punchline.

Barker often expressed dissatisfaction with the sketch’s ending, deeming the “billhooks” pun slightly too obscure. His discomfort led him to imagine an alternate ending for a stage performance—where a female assistant appears with a cheeky twist, asking, “Right sir, what kind of knockers are you looking for?” This wasn’t just a clever callback; it was a glimpse into Barker’s dedication to his craft and a desire to keep the comedy fresh.

Over the years, Barker’s willingness to embrace challenges often went hand in hand with discomfort. The number of sketches where he donned drag became a source of unease, even leaving him disappointed with the first series of The Two Ronnies. Madeline Smith from Henrietta Beckett revealed that Barker preferred not to revisit this phase of his career during his lifetime.

The Four Candles sketch, with its classic scene of Barker as a confused customer searching for “fork handles,” is a celebrated moment in British television history. Corbett’s misinterpretation of Barker’s request led to a hilarious crescendo of misunderstandings, showcasing both actors’ exceptional comedic talent.

As the curtain closed on The Two Ronnies Sketchbook in 2005, Barker shared an intriguing twist—his imagined ending for the sketch would have included a “big slovenly girl” delivering the punchline with gusto. The essence of this comedic duo transcended time, with “Four Candles” ultimately being voted The Nation’s Favourite Two Ronnies Sketch during a special broadcast in 1999.