It is no secret that I have been a life-long fan of both the TV and film versions of On the Buses. And I am sure that I am not the only fan of On the Buses who loves watching the late, great Doris Hare's performances.

Hare was born in Bargoed, Mid Glamorgan, on the 1st March 1905. Her career as an actress began thanks to her parents who ran a portable theatre in South Wales.

Doris' professional career as an actress, which saw her performing in music-hall, variety, cabaret revues and pantomimes, was to last 60 years from 1934 to 1994.

Hare's TV appearances at Elstree Studios included appearing in The Saint and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased). She gave a wonderful performance as a spiritualist (called Madame Hanskain) in the latter.

But it was Doris' role as Mum (Mabel Butler) to Reg Varney's Stan Butler in the LWT sitcom On the Buses that was to bring her the most fame.

The role of Mum had originally been played by another veteran actress, Cicely Courtneidge. When Courtneidge became unavailable for the second series, Hare was bought in and really made the role of Mum her own.

In 1971, the cast of On the Buses signed to Hammer Films to appear in a total of three spin-off films: On the Buses (1971), Mutiny On the Buses (1972) and Holiday On the Buses (1973).

The actress later got the call to replace another actress. This time the call came to play the role of Timmy Leas's (Robin Askwith) Mum in three of the four Confessions... films: Confessions of a Pop Performer, Confessions of a Driving Instructor and Confessions From a Holiday Camp. This time the Doris took over from Dandy Nicholls, who had played the role in Confessions of a Window Cleaner.

By the time the last Confessions... film wrapped, Hare was in her early seventies, but retirement was, fortunately, still not on the cards for the actress.

Doris' later roles included playing a rather forgetful nun in the film Nuns on the Run. Hare found herself playing opposite Robbie Coltrane (Cracker) and Eric Idle (Monty Python) in the film which was made by George Harrison's (a former member of The Beatles) film company, HandMade Films.

At the grand age of 87, Doris Hare was to take to the West End stage one last time. Doris appeared at the Playhouse Theatre in the Ray Cooney farce, It Runs in the Family. The role saw her reunited opposite former Benny Hill straight man, Henry McGee, who had also appeared in the film: Holiday On the Buses.

Hare was to sadly pass away (aged 95) on the 30th May 2000. No-doubt she would be delighted that On the Buses continues to be as popular as ever.

Watching both the film & TV versions of On the Buses always gives me great pleasure. I particular enjoy watching Doris Hare's performances and can't help but think about her every time I visit Elstree Studios and wander around the various On the Buses film locations in Borehamwood.

But what is my most-favourite ever line of Hare's? Well, it was one used in both an episode of On the Buses and the film Holiday On the Buses: "Just because there is snow on the roof, it doesn't mean that the fire has gone out!"

RIP, Doris, you continue to be much-missed.

(You can watch a clip from Doris Hare's edition of This is Your Life by clicking onto the appropriate link above right.)