Biography

Opened the "Embassy Club" in 1959 and ran it right up until his death.

Has one son, Bernard Manning Jr., born 1960.

Had a younger brother, singer Frank Manning who helped him run a club in Newquay.

He considered tampons and disabled people unacceptable subjects, although he was challenged on Joan Rivers's show by guest Rupert Everett when he told a joke about a wheelchair user. Manning swiftly responded: "If your brains were dynamite, you wouldn't have enough to blow off your own hat." This left Everett speechless.

Uncle of actress Francesca Manning.

I'm a Catholic, was an altar boy, have never been a womaniser, taken drugs or been with anyone. I've got my feet on the ground.

A fella cooking? It's not natural. You won't see me with an apron on in the kitchen. Or pushing a trolley around Asda.

If you want a good laugh, come and see your Uncle Bernard.

We used to sleep five to a bed, and three of them used to wet the bed. I learned to swim before I could walk... The soles of me shoes were that thin that in 1936 I could put me foot on a penny and tell you if it were heads or tails.

He's a poof, of course, but he's got great taste. (On Stephen Fry, after he stated his admiration for Manning's comedic technique)