by 1958, when he published his autobiography, he was the most successful dance band leader in british musical history, and a major star on british radio and television. his bbc television show "dancing club" lasted 17 years. he also presented a weekly request programme on the bbc overseas service (later world service) which ran from 1948 to 1975. his obituary in "the times" noted, "turn on a radio in famagusta, cape town or peking and one would be likely to hear his music issuing from the speakers".