Cliff was unable to appear at the Regal, Colchester, as he was suffering from an acute sore throat. Singer Vince Taylor deputized at short notice. Organist Cherry Wainer also fell ill and had to cancel the booking.

During early December Cliff collapses with exhaustion. Performing twice-nightly on the variety circuit, rehearsing for “Oh Boy” during the daytimes as well as filming “Serious Charge” at Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, takes its toll on Cliff’s health. Angry at the apparent exploitation and overworking of his son,  Cliff’s dad sacks Franklyn Boyd his manager.