 After the death of Owen in 1999 , Compo was replaced at various times by his real @-@ life son , Tom Owen , as equally unkempt Tom Simmonite , Keith Clifford as Billy Hardcastle , a man who fancied himself as a descendant of Robin Hood , and Brian Murphy as the childish Alvin Smedley . Due to the age of the main cast , a new trio was formed during the 30th series featuring somewhat younger actors , and this format was used for the final two instalments of the show . This group consisted of Russ Abbot as a former milkman who fancied himself a secret agent , Luther " Hobbo " Hobdyke , Burt Kwouk as the electrical repairman , " Electrical " Entwistle , and Murphy as Alvin Smedley . Sallis and Thornton , both past members of the trio , continued in supporting roles alongside the new actors . 
