THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL

Berkshire has had more than its fair share of famous inhabitants. However, few had such an explosive reputation as Diana Dors

- Shar Daws

Diana Dors, the actress and writer, exuded glamour, confidence and a touch of danger. With shoulder-length platinum hair, a stunning figure and formfitting clothes that accentuated glorious curves, Diana caused a sensation wherever she went.

Dennis Hamilton, Diana’s first husband who she married at the age of 19, insisted they move from London, purchasing a five-bedroom house in Bray for £7,000 in 1954.

Having lived in London since the age of 14, where she studied acting at LAMDA, Diana was not keen on the idea of moving; she despaired of being “buried in the country with no theatres or cinemas...” and was especially dismayed at the idea of no parties. It was a surprise for her to find how much she loved living in Bray and was to declare it the happiest time of her marriage to Dennis. They had moved while Diana was filming A Kid for Two Farthings and she settled quickly into the local community; the locals loved the glamour and sparkle she brought to the area.

Diana’s marriage to Dennis was tumultuous and, on occasion, violent. Dennis was firmly in control of both his wife’s career and her money. While Diana was filming An Alligator Named Daisy at Pinewood Studios Dennis found a new project, a coffee bar in Maidenhead High Street, which he named the El Toucan, furnishing it with two living toucans in a bamboo cage. Diana felt a great affinity with these exotic trapped creatures.