David Nixon (1919 -1978) was one of the UK’s best-known entertainers and had an extraordinary varied career. His annuals were a prized Christmas present for young people across the UK, along with a magic set with David Nixon’s name on it. Nixon was one of the first entertainers to realise the power of television, with audiences of over ten million watching his shows which ran for over 20 years, often transmitted live. He was the first partner of Basil Brush, the fox puppet, and appeared as a panellist on TV and radio game shows. A keen chess player, he hosted a TV series on the pastime. He was also an accomplished double bass player. Urbane and suave, with a twinkle in his eye, the balding Nixon was an unlikely looking star.