The ambitious but accident-prone
Frank Spencer, who often wears his trademark
beret and
mackintosh, is married to the long-suffering Betty (
Michele Dotrice), and in later series they have a baby daughter, Jessica. The character was popular with
impressionists such as
Mike Yarwood in the 1970s, particularly Frank's ostensible main
catchphrase, "Ooh Betty", which may actually have been said in only one episode (Series 2, Episode 2). Other catchphrases include a quavering "Oooh ...", usually uttered with Frank's forefinger to his mouth as he stands amidst the chaos of some disaster he has just caused. He also sometimes complains about being "ha-RASSed!", or, occasionally, "I've had a lot of ha-RASSments lately" (originally an American pronunciation). Other recurring catchphrases include references to "a bit of trouble" and to the cat having "done a whoopsie" (presumably a euphemism for having defecated in an inappropriate place, on one occasion in Spencer's beret). When Frank is pleased or confused, he will often use the catchphrases "Mmmm – nice!" or "Ohhh – nice!". Frank is essentially a sympathetic character who is loved by Betty despite his faults. He venerates the memory of his late mother and treasures his daughter. References to Frank's mother suggest she was very much like her son. Frank claimed he last saw his father at
Paddington Station when only 18 months old. Crawford has mentioned that he based many of Frank's reactions on those of a young child. The final series was produced after a break of five years (not counting two Christmas specials). Though still written by Raymond Allen, it was based on stories by Crawford. Frank's character changes noticeably in this series, becoming more self-aware and keen to make himself appear educated and well-spoken. He develops an air of pomposity, best demonstrated when someone enquires for "Mr. Spencer?", to which he habitually replies, "I am he." He also becomes more self-assured and more willing to defend himself when criticised, sometimes winning arguments by leaving his opponents dumbfounded by the bizarre nature of his statements. Frank also commits numerous
malapropisms, especially when using long words to sound clever. For example, in the final episode he says 'pissdomestic' instead of 'pessimistic'. and
Michele Dotrice, as Frank and Betty Spencer Acknowledging the show's success in Australia, in the final series Frank mentions relations who live there and contemplates emigrating himself. ==Legacy==