<P> Clegg was the sounding - board for Compo's glee and the third man's authority, and was often instrumental in pointing out the pitfalls concealed within the schemes of the third man . Clegg is also well known for his philosophical asides, which have received praise for interjecting intellectual material into the series . In early episodes, Clegg was much more opinionated and courageous . Sometimes he was shown to be the leader of the trio in the earlier episodes (such as taking them on a camping trip in the hills one stormy night). Within a few years he became more quiet and laid - back (although he was still seen to relish the odd practical joke or escapade), and the group came to be led by Foggy and the "third men" who succeeded him . During the earlier episodes he was also less awkward and more talkative when interacting with women which is shown when he once made an offhand remark about Nora Batty's father (which she overheard). When Cyril commented on how brave it was to do so, he claimed to have had "years of marital combat experience". Eventually he became more nervous when interacting with the local ladies . Despite his neurosis and frequent skepticism, Clegg was the one who had the most average lifestyle and particularly in earlier episodes is portrayed as the most friendly out of the trio . </P> <P> From series 9 onwards Howard often involved Clegg in his risky schemes to have an affair with Marina without Pearl finding out . As a result, Clegg is often shown to be afraid of Pearl (though when not involved in any of Howard's schemes they are both shown to be friendly with each other). He is also reluctant to help Howard through his affair with Marina because he is terrified of the latter . It is revealed in the episode "A Sidecar Named Desire" that he'd previously got trapped in a lift with Marina and she cuddled him for warmth which left him frightened of her . Because Howard frequently sends Clegg in his place to deliver messages to Marina, this leads the latter into believing that Clegg is interested in her and throughout the series she is shown to have a soft spot for him . However one notable exception where Clegg grows to enjoy Marina's company is when she ended up having lunch with him and Truly on his birthday, (much to the jealousy and anger of Howard). He is also terrified of going near Auntie Wainwright's shop because she always manages to sell him something that he does not want . Throughout most of the series he was generally closer to Compo than the "third men" and the two of them often got enjoyment out of the mishaps of Cyril and later Foggy . Clegg was the most devastated by Compo's death and felt guilty about not giving him a proper send off . Subsequently, he became closer to Truly . </P> <P> With the introduction of Alvin Smedley to the main trio (making them a quartet), Clegg's roles were gradually reduced from series 25 onward's due to Peter Sallis's health (though there are occasional episodes where he does play a major role). After Keith Clifford departed the show after series 27, the quartet became a trio again; however, Clegg's role (along with Truly's) continued to decrease and most episodes focused on Alvin and Entwistle's schemes . In the two final series he became a secondary character, as Sallis and Frank Thornton were now over 80, leading to complications over insurance when on location filming, so his role was filled by Entwistle (Burt Kwouk). Prior to this Entwistle had filled Clegg's role on a number of occasions . </P> <P> Despite being a widower, Clegg rarely refers to his wife, although he mentions that she was strongly against his camping phase and that she has a brother, whom Clegg toasts for "keeping well away". An early exchange with Nora Batty hinted that Edith was of a similar vein to Nora and Ivy, but this was never elaborated on . In another episode, a cousin of Edith's comes to stay with Clegg, but ends up holding Clegg hostage in his own home . Compo and Foggy are left to break him out, but Howard relishes in the situation, comparing it to his own marriage . Throughout the series, Edith is only referred to by name once . </P>

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