Wilfrid Coad Thomas AO (2 May 1904 – 16 August 1991) was a British-born singer and broadcaster, who had a significant career in Australia, later in London as a radio and television commentator for the BBC.
He was not employed as an announcer straight away, but he proved his versatility as a character actor in radio plays, as a pianist and singer; his Welsh-accented natural bass-baritone voice found ready acceptance with audiences.
He returned to Australia in 1940,[14] producing Out of the Bag, a variety show starring Dick Bentley, Joy Nicholls, Kitty Bluett, and Bettina Dickson; frequently broadcast from army camps.
[16] He left his wife, who would not divorce him, to live with actress Bettina "Bettie" Dickson (22 December 1920 – 23 October 1994[b]),[17] who continued her dramatic career and acted as Wilfrid's manager.
[citation needed] In 1951 the format of the show changed, with Thomas being based in London and producing his weekly programs from British or Continental locations or from his top-floor Mayfair flat, where he played host to a wide variety of show-business celebrities.
[18] Thomas was one of television's pioneers, acting for John Logie Baird in a basement studio in the BBC's "Broadcasting House" complex.