[3] A broadcast with Henry Hall in 1942 led to his recruitment by orchestra leader Geraldo as resident vocalist and comedian.

[2] In 1946 he became resident comedian on the BBC radio show Variety Bandbox, sharing the role on alternate weeks with Frankie Howerd, with whom he developed a friendly rivalry.

Roy's unsuccessful star-vehicle Happy Go Lucky also gave the first writing break to Ray Galton and Alan Simpson,[4][5] who would soon team up with the show's last producer Dennis Main Wilson to create Hancock's Half Hour.

[2] Roy was a resident of the large Art Deco apartment block, Du Cane Court in Balham, South London.

A neighbour remembered: "He was short, plump and wore glasses; and besides being a stand-up comedian, he featured on an amusing radio variety show.