Maynard's return (From Gazette & Herald)

Maynard's return

WHEN Bill Maynard AKA Claude Greengrass opens the Malton Motor Show this year, it will be with special happiness.

The warm welcome he received from the crowds at last year's opening marked a major upturn in his career.

"It was a day and warm welcome I'll treasure because it helped to change my thinking and my life in a very positive way," said Bill.

The 2001 show came a year after a severe stroke forced him out of Heartbeat. As he recovered, Bill because depressed. He thought he would never work again.

"Then I was invited to open the Malton Motor Show and arrived to find so many fans waiting to greet me. I suddenly felt alive again and determined to get well enough to return to work. My trip to Malton was the perfect tonic, a real pick-me-up off the floor at a time I needed it."

The show was to prove to be the turning point for Bill. Soon after, Yorkshire Television brought him into a new series - The Royal - starring with Wendy Craig and Ian Carmichael. Already 13 one-hour episodes have been filmed and are expected to be a ratings winner.

Malton Motor Show is pleased and proud to have Bill Maynard as its special celebrity on July 21.

Organiser Steve Smith said: "Our day will be bigger and better this year and no TV personality is bigger or better than Bill Maynard. We are delighted he agreed to return."

Updated: 13:21 Thursday, June 13, 2002