Dead Ernest

For Dead Ernest, a 1944 mystery novel by Phoebe Atwood Taylor writing as Alice Tilton, see Dead Ernest (novel).

Dead Ernest was a 1982 UK TV supernatural sitcom set in heaven starring Andrew Sachs in the role of Ernest. It was broadcast on Channel 4

Ernest wins half a million pounds on the football pools. Unfortunately he is killed by a stray champagne bottle cork striking him on the head. He subsequently ascends to heaven.

The notion of a sitcom set in the afterlife was an intriguing one, but despite the original idea, some promising comic setpieces (Ernest encounters Beethoven and Bach in one episode), Sachs' undoubted comedic abilities, and support from other seasoned comic actors such as Ken Jones, it was regarded as a disappointing effort, and only lasted for one season.