"It was never a good idea to go and see Hancock in his dressing-room before transmission. During rehearsals he would be fine; and then there would be an hour's break, and it would be best to keep away: He'd be very, very nervous; he'd be so tense that your presence would be unwelcome." (Ray Galton) 2 June 1961: It is the half-hour preceding the recording of The Blood Donor. Britain's best-loved comedian is alone in his room.