Tourism, Bill Skelton and ‘gays’

Press, 14 March 1985, Page 11

Tourism, Bill Skelton and ‘gays’

About one-third of all homosexuals marry at some time in their lives. This often leads to a double tragedy which involves both them and their unsuspecting partner. On “Close Up” tonight, Alison Parr looks at one such case history. The boom industry of tourism is doing almost too well for its own good ... the main resorts are straining to provide accommodation. But off the beaten track there are exciting developments. Brett Dumbleton reports on the “new tourist.” At 53, Bill Skelton is New Zealand’s oldest professional jockey and his career record of 2167 wins is streets ahead of whoever is in second place. Yet in the tough competitive world of racing, Skelton is still regarded as one of the sport’s gentlemen. Ted Sheehan spent a few days with the genial jockey at his Levin home and his favourite racecourse, Trentham, finding out what is important in Bill Skelton’s life.

Recognise this man? Appearing in a show with Elaine Page is Lewis Collins, better known as Bodie in “The Professionals.”

Bodie, Doyle and Cowley will be back by popular demand, on One, at 10 o’clock tonight. Five series of the British drama about the Cl 5 Special Criminal Intelligence Unit were made and all have been screened

twice in New Zealand. Tonight, their popularity is bringing them back for a third airing — starting at episode one, series one. The programmes are now screening for the third time in Britain as well. First seen in New Zealand in 1978, “The Professionals” stars Gordon Jackson as George Cowley, Lewis Collins as Bodie and Martin Shaw as Doyle.