Fawlse pretence

Sitcom's success a shock, says star Booth | But she tells 'truth' that Cleese wrote it all

- NICOLA METHVEN

CONNIE Booth has revealed she didn't write Fawlty Towers with John Cleese, despite decades of being lauded for doing so.

The American, who played maid Polly in the classic BBC sitcom, received a writing credit for each of its 12 episodes.

But as the show celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, she felt compelled to come clean and confess that her ex-husband penned it all.

Booth, who was married to Cleese when the show first aired in 1975, said she felt "counterfeit" for being billed as a co-writer on the show, which went on to become a huge hit.

She said: "John and I never imagined the impact the show would have. On its 50th anniversary, I'd like to take the opportunity toget something straight - John wrote the dialogue."