Robin Le Mesurier: ‘Mum and dad had affairs but they did love each other’

However, when the breakthrough came it was not exactly what he had in mind. Robin found himself making his debut on Top Of The Pops clad in a furry costume after being recruited to be a Womble. 

The group, based on the children’s characters created by Elizabeth Beresford who collect litter on Wimbledon Common, had a string of unlikely hits.

At the height of Womblemania in the mid-1970s thousands of fans would queue for a glimpse of the cuddly creatures. 

It is just one of the fascinating and often bizarre episodes recounted in 64-year-old Robin’s new book A Charmed Rock ‘n’ Roll Life.

The son of two of Britain’s bestloved comedy actors, Dad’s Army star John Le Mesurier and Carry On favourite Hattie Jacques, he enjoyed a Bohemian childhood. 

During those early years Robin rubbed shoulders with friends of his parents who just so happened to be some of the biggest names in entertainment.

Later he went on to achieve his ambition of becoming a successful rock guitarist playing alongside Sir Elton John, Cat Stevens and Jeff Beck. He is still a member of Rod Stewart’s band.

Born in London in 1953, Robin became the envy of his classmates. At the age of 12 he recalls waking in the early hours to the sound of Spike Milligan and Peter Sellers playing jazz downstairs. 

“All the time I lived at home it always seemed like an ongoing party,” says Robin. 

“You never knew who might drop in. It became normal for me to see famous people. I was in awe because I had seen them on film and TV.

“Kenneth Williams was another regular. He was an amazing character whom I adored, and was like a brother to my mother. Peter Sellers was always joking around. Then there was Tony Hancock and the charming Sid James.”

Yet beneath all the fun and frivolity there was also sadness. Robin’s mother, who starred in 17 Carry On films, struggled with self-esteem issues related to her weight and her marriage to John eventually broke up.

Robin says: “Later in my life mum admitted to me that she always needed to summon up the courage to enter the living room, even with very close friends, because of the weight problem that she fought with. Recalling this does make me a little sad but what bravado she had.

“My family was wonderful and loving but dysfunctional. Although mum and dad both had affairs they loved one another. My character was shaped by their kindness, generosity and tolerant natures.” 

Robin was also bullied at school because of his celebrity background and instantly recognisable name. 

He was once stabbed in the back with a compass. By then he was set on a career in rock music and started out running mobile discos.

“Although my parents were actors I had no interest in following in their footsteps,” he says. “I was once put up for a part in a Disney film but it wasn’t for me.”

There was also an opportunity to go down the classical route as Robin was offered a place at the Royal College of Music but it was the guitar greats that he wanted to emulate. Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton were his idols.

His first band was called Reign, which once supported Genesis, but a promised recording deal never materialised. Then came his stint with The Wombles. 

“It was a living at the time,” laughs Robin, who was the one called Wellington. 

“And not a bad one to be honest although the costumes were very heavy and hot. You could hardly see anything through the peepholes.

“It was a load of fun but the anonymity was quite handy. I got to meet all the bands that were appearing on Top Of The Pops, such as the Bay City Rollers, Mud and Sweet. They were all lovely guys and never looked down their noses at The Wombles.”

It turned sour when a joint owned by his brother was found in a police raid. Robin was deemed guilty by association, fined £10 and the bad publicity resulted in him being sacked from The Wombles.

But by then he was established as a guitarist and has never looked back. He has played in Rod Stewart’s band since 1981 while other credits include lining up with Air Supply. 

He has been performing with legendary French rocker Johnny Hallyday for 23 years.

Robin, who now lives in LA with his wife Jules, adds: “Going on tour with the bands was like being on holiday with your best friends and doing some shows here and there. 

I’m lucky to have grown up in an era when the music was so diverse and to have worked with two of the greatest singers on the planet. I count them both as great friends.”

In fact Rod Stewart has written the foreword to Robin’s book in which he states: “Robin has an unforgettable stage presence. Over the years I’ve had some wonderful musicians and bands but I also always wanted mates – someone I could sit in a bar with, fall down with and even confide in. Robin has all these qualities and more. Like myself, he was born to be a rocker.”

The book is packed with tales of boozy rock star antics including the time one band member was thrown fully clothed and still clutching his guitar into a Hollywood swimming pool during a video shoot for Tonight I’m Yours.

On another occasion, as Rod was doing a TV interview, the band released chickens into the studio and mayhem ensued. 

“Enjoying ourselves was paramount,” says Robin. “Rod’s philosophy was that we should be professional but have fun.”

It has never been dull. Take the time Robin found himself staring down the barrel of a gun held by Phil Spector. 

“It scared the living daylights out of me,” recalls Robin. “He’s the craziest person I’ve ever met.” 

The record producer would later be convicted of shooting a nightclub hostess and is serving time for murder.

However, the rock-star life took its toll and at one stage Robin was drinking a bottle of vodka a day. 

He appeared on the reality show Rehab in 2011 in which a group of celebrities checked into a detox clinic in Malibu, California.

The musician says he has tried to slow down recently and now takes greater care of his health. But he has no intention of hanging up his guitar. There is a world tour with Hallyday next year.

“Rock guitarists never retire,” says Robin. “It’s just the love of playing and being in front of an audience. I still get a massive buzz when I go on stage. There’s nothing like it in the world. I wake up every morning and think, ‘Wow, still here.’ I will keep playing until I can’t do it any more.”

*To order A Charmed Rock ‘n’ Roll Life by Robin Le Mesurier (The Book Guild, £9.99) with free UK delivery, call the Express Bookshop with your card details on 01872 562 310. Alternatively send a cheque or postal order made payable to The Express Bookshop to: Book Guild Offer, PO Box 200, Falmouth TR11 4WJ or visit expressbookshop.com