Phyllis Ellis:

Phyllis Ellis had a varied and colourful career. She was an actress, comedienne, singer and dancer who appeared with many famous stars of stage and television, in shows which ranged from Oh, Calcutta! to The Benny Hill Show!

Her face was also familiar to millions as a Mum in TV commercials for Fairy Liquid, Persil and Rowntrees ('Don’t forget the fruit gums, Mum!') More recently she became a teacher, both of English as a Foreign Language (in Italy), and of Yoga.

She is a widow with two grown up sons. Desert Governess is her first book.