Fiona McAlpine, and explored the memories of a man who had experienced a number of relationships with different alcoholics throughout his lifetime. Personal life Lavender was first married to actress Suzanne Kerchiss. He married his second wife, American-born Miki Hardy, three years his senior, six days after his bladder cancer was diagnosed in 1993. Lavender said "We had been living together for 16 years and it was something I should have done a long time before, these things change you, they help you to see what is important in life." The bladder tumour was operated on successfully, and though Lavender has regular check-ups, doctors are confident the cancer will not return. Lavender also survived a heart attack in the summer of 2004. Lavender grew up supporting Aston Villa. When filming began on Dad's Army, he was allowed to choose Pike's scarf from an array in the BBC wardrobe. He chose a claret and blue scarf to remind him of his home city. He is a big cricket fan. On 22 June 2015, Lavender was awarded a star on the Birmingham Walk of Stars. Filmography Film Television Radio "Rookery Nook (play)", BBC Radio 4, Saturday Night Theatre, Saturday 24 August 1985 - Gerald Popkiss References External links 1946 births Living people Alumni of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School British male comedy actors English male soap opera actors English male stage actors Male actors from Birmingham, West Midlands People from Birmingham, West Midlands