Meet the Flexible Friends

The Flexible Friend himself

A walking, talking Access card, and the hero of every advert: whenever the others can’t pay, Access can. He first appeared in the 1978 press adverts (“I’m Access. He’s Money.”) and reached television in 1979.

By his final adverts in 1995 he had swapped the original green and white for a later green gradient look.

Access’s best friend – and always running out

Access’s companion from the very first adverts in 1978, forever being caught short: by hotel bills, rail fares and restaurant bills. In his last advert he takes Access out to reminisce about the good times, then finds he can’t pay for the meal.

Played by: Peter Hawkins, who also created the voices of Bill and Ben and the Daleks (in the first TV adverts, 1979)

Short-tempered, and a poor traveller

Gets somewhat irate when Cheque Card isn’t with him. On the 1995 cross-channel ferry he spends the trip heaving over the side: he doesn’t travel well.

Never there when needed

Cheque Book’s other half. In 1980 he turns up too late: by the time he arrives, the suit shop has closed.

Not as fat as he looks

Joins Access and Money at the gym in 1985, and on holiday later on – where he got cleaned out hiring the car.

He is British, you know

On holiday with the gang, but before he can pay for the drinks he needs to get changed.

Restrictive and expensive

The 1986 villain of the piece: Access warns Money just how restrictive and expensive store cards can be.

Played by: Mollie Sugden

At the booking office

Money calls Ticket to book seats for tonight’s show, and over the phone the only way to pay is with Access’s name and number.

Played by: Frankie Howerd

I kno-o-o-w

Checks Money out of his hotel in 1982.

Played by: Prunella Scales

One of the new faces of 1994

One of two new animated characters in the rather obscure 1994 adverts, alongside Heart.

Played by: Richard Wilson

The other new face of 1994

Head’s partner in the 1994 adverts.

Played by: Ade Edmondson