Cyril Heslop

Cyril Heslop is a character in the popular BBC sitcom Porridge and is played by Brian Glover.

Heslop is prominent in Season 1 of the show and was briefly Fletcher's cellmate. He was also one of the three new arrivals, along with Fletcher and Godber, into Slade Prison in the first episode of the series, having been given three years for Breaking and Entering. Heslop is quite dim and slow-witted, once being described by Mr. Mackay as "thick as two short planks."

This is also demonstrated in the fact that he is always several minutes behind every conversation, such as laughing at jokes made ages before or making remarks to or asking questions about a subject that was talked about many minutes ago, when the conversation has moved on. Heslop is also known among the prison inmates for his interesting anecdotes, which he launches into at random moments, with every inmate present ending their conversation to listen to him. It is mentioned in his first appearance his birthday was on April 1 which is considered by Fletcher to be quite fitting for him.