During this time, in Ayr, his father was in the Gaiety Whirl summer shows.
During World War II, he found himself starring as a comedian for army concert parties.
"The Fox Has Left Its Lair" was written by Douglas Furber (words) and Peggy Connor (music); it was originally a novelty item performed by Jack Buchanan in the Charlot Revue of 1925.
[2] Willis changed some of the lyrics and the order of the verses to suit the act.
[3] In 1992, comedian Dorothy Paul called Willis: "A magic man, a one off," and that his voice was "so quiet, yet it could be heard in every part of the theatre.