Dancer Fay Bedford retires after 70 years in showbiz

Since learning to dance at age two, Fay Bedford has dedicated her entire life to entertainment.

Now recovering from a fall, Mrs Bedford, 79 and from Bradwell, said she feels the time has come to embrace retirement.

During her dancing career she appeared in shows starring Ronnie Corbett, Des O'Connor, Ken Dodd and Lionel Blair.

Fay Bedford, 79, is stepping back after 67 years in showbusiness. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)"I have never given up in my life," she said.

"And I never thought I would ever call it a day. I was lucky to keep going for this length of time. 

"And if it wasn't for the leg muscles I had developed over the years, it could have been much worse."

Fay Bedford with the Rolling Stones. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)Mrs Bedford's big break came when she shared the stage with comedy legend Ronnie Corbett.

Ronnie Corbett (Image: Colin Finch)

"I was 12 and a lot smaller than him at that time," she said.

"And I met him again on the Dick Emery show years later. I towered over him by that point.

"There was a lot of competition in those days, and it was tough work. I was just very lucky to have been a tall blonde who could dance."

Fay Bedford in action. Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)During the 1960s and 70s, Mrs Bedford toured with the likes of Des O'Connor, and Ken Dodd and served as a long time member of Lionel Blair's dance troupe.

Des O'Connor (Image: PA)

After marrying musician Max Bedford in 1967, settling down in Bradwell, near Great Yarmouth, and having six children, Mrs Bedford continued performing, having fifteen-year stints at Seacroft Holiday Camp and Dunston Hall.

Max and Fay Bedford. Picture - Newsquest Archive (Image: Newsquest Archives)For the last 50 years, Mrs Bedford led the Stage and Dance School at Bradwell Community Centre. During her time as a teacher, Mrs Bedford taught up to three generations of dancers and even mentored S Club 7's Hannah Spearritt.

In recent years, Mrs Bedford also began leading sit-down exercise classes at care homes in the area, which she aims to continue in her retirement.

Students at the Fay Bedford Stage and Dance School Picture - Submitted (Image: Submitted)Her plans also include three weeks in Tenerife with her husband Max, who continues to perform as part of a Big Band orchestra.

"We've always been there for each other," Mrs Bedford added.

"And I think it was our similar interests that kept us so strong. I couldn't have done it for this long without him."