British actress Paula Wilcox has opened up about her early-career experience working with comedy icon Benny Hill. She appeared in a sketch on The Benny Hill Show back in 1972, a period when she was still establishing herself in the television industry.SEE MORE…
Wilcox recalled meeting Hill for the first time and described him as “very nice actually” and “a very clever writer.” She emphasized that her personal interactions with him were respectful and professional, countering many of the narratives that later surrounded Hill’s reputation.
She even recounted a light-hearted moment between them: Hill jokingly commented on her name—“Ooh, Paula Will-Cox, eh?”—to which she instantly replied, “Paula Won’t-Cox!” According to her, that small exchange set the tone, and from that moment on, she “never had any trouble… he was fine with me.”
However, despite her positive memories of working with Hill, both Wilcox and fellow actor Paul Eddington later requested that their episodes be removed from syndication. Their concern stemmed from how certain comedic material from the 1970s might be interpreted through a modern lens.
Wilcox acknowledged that while Hill treated her well and was undeniably talented, comedy has evolved significantly. What audiences found acceptable or amusing decades ago does not always align with today’s cultural expectations, and she believes it’s important to recognize how attitudes and sensitivities have changed over time.
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