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Revision as of 22:28, 15 September 2007
Keith Lard (full name Keith Winston Lard), is a fictional fire safety officer from Bolton, played by Peter Kay. Keith Lard has appeared in two of Peter Kay's TV comedies on Channel 4, That Peter Kay Thing (in the episode 'Eyes Down') and in the first series of Phoenix Nights.
The Character
Keith Lard is portrayed as an over zealous jobsworth, who takes immense pride in his work raising awareness for fire safety through training seminars and safety inspection. He despises people's apathy and seemingly ignorant attitude towards fire safety, frequently scaring his bored audience with an air horn.
Private Life
Lard's private life is the subject of speculation and ridicule regarding his unhealthy relationship with dogs (even with claims of bestiality). In his first appearance in 'Eyes Down', Lard is seemingly oblivious to the snide comments made to him by the bingo staff attending his seminar. However at the end of the episode he is seen being led away by police. When he appears in Phoenix Nights, it is made apparent by Brian Potter that he was charged with bestiality by the police, but not convicted due to lack of evidence.
Controversy
A real life fire safety officer, Mr.Keith Laird, complained to Channel 4 about the character of Keith Lard, claiming the character damaged his reputation and personal integrity (in particular Keith Lard's interest in bestiality).
Mr. Laird possessed some similarities to the character of Keith Lard, working for Bolton Council as a fire safety officer, and even resembling the character in appearance.
Channel 4 and Peter Kay were forced to apologise to Mr. Laird for the embarrassment caused, with a reported payment of £10,000 being split amongst Mr. Laird and various fire safety organisations. In addition, Channel 4 broadcast a statement, stressing the character of Keith Lard was fictional and not based on Mr. Keith Laird.