WELL-KNOWN comedian Peter "Machine Gun" Wallis and wife Dorothy are celebrating 50 years of marriage this week at their home in Rawdon.
Mr Wallis, is best known for his stand-up comedy act, and has also appeared in cameo roles in Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Heartbeat.
The couple, who are celebrating their anniversary at home with family and friends, are also well known for their days running the Westbourne Hotel in Otley.
Mrs Wallis, 68, is originally from Alkborough near Scun-thorpe, but moved to Rawdon after meeting her husband-to-be at the Women's Junior Air Corp in Otley, where he was a physical education PT instructor.
Mr Wallis has appeared on his own in stand up shows, as well as with his family over 30 years ago.
He also appears from time to time in soaps and films and recently appeared in Coronation Street as transsexual Hayley's uncle at her wedding to Roy Cropper.
Mr Wallis said his wife has stood by him throughout his career, which still continues at 76-years-old.
He said: "She keeps me organised and she is my scapegoat, because I test all of my jokes on her.
"If she laughs, I know they will do well, but if not, I hold them back.
"It's really thanks to Dorothy that I've been able to do all I've done because she brings me down to earth."
Mrs Wallis said that although the past 50 years were full of laughter, it wasn't always a laugh a minute, you know.
She said: "We've had ups and downs, but there's still some of the old sparkle in our relationship.
"People often say to me I must have had continued laughs hearing all the jokes, but it doesn't quite work like that - sometimes, believe it or not, we need to be serious.
"We have good friends and a lovely family and we've been very lucky."
When asked what the secret to a long marriage was, Mrs Wallis said: "I really don't think of it as 50 years, I just see each day as it comes.
"We've had a really marvellous life together."
Mr Wallis added: "I couldn't wish for a better 50 years!"
The couple will celebrate at home with daughter Mitzi, 48, and grandchildren Jenny, 21 and Matt, 17, and family friends.
