 By 1976, it was clear that Michael Bates (I) (qv) was ill. The  cancer which was to eventually kill him, meant the strenuous walking  through the hills became impossible. He was written out of the  series and his noticeable gap was filled by Brian Wilde (qv), who  had already become known as Mr. Barrowclough in  _"Porridge" (1974)_ (qv). Michael Bates did continue to appear in  his other success, _"It Aint Half Hot Mum" (1974)_ (qv), but died  soon after.