OH WOH, hang on a bit. Russ didn't write the character, that was down to the writer and the director. I wasn't really happy with Hobo but Russ is a very funny man. I think that Russ did an excellent job but the character, Hobo, was definitely OTT. I liked Alvin too, he was a good replacement for Compo. There is only one character I wasn't really happy with in the early days, and that was Compo. His character was a touch OTT but the character was much improved after the first few years. Actors do blend with the characters they are playing and they come across really well. My own particular favourite in LOTSW was lost after only a few years. He always looked so natural and was perfect for the part he played, Sid in the cafe. And our recent loss, Pearl, was an absolute gem.