"I HAD that Oxo man in the front of my cab last week."

That's what punters in North Dorset can boast these days.

Because television actor Michael Redfern, who starred opposite Lynda Bellingham in the meat cube ads is now driving a taxi in Gillingham.

The nation watched enthralled as the couple brought up their family in our sitting-rooms in the first mini-sitcom advert.

Since the gravy train hit the buffers a couple of years ago Lynda's career has flourished while Michael's has floundered.

But he's graciously philosophical - "I was a face but she was a name and a very good actress," said Michael, 58.

An experienced TV actor who worked on The Two Ronnies, Porridge and Man about the House, he was the resident policeman on The Young Ones.

Spotted pushing his baby son Ashley - now 20 - down a Soho street in his push-chair, Michael was recruited to the part that was to give him steady work and a very good income for 16 years.

He knew he risked type-casting but he regrets nothing.

"The other work dried up over those years because I was so high-profile," he said.

"But it was fabulous, they were really nice people.

"Linda was smashing - it was a very happy job."

When the blow fell Mike developed a sideline in after-dinner speaking and he's been working the charity golf circuit for years.

Just over a year ago with his wife, dog-groomer Carol, IT specialist Ashley and seven dogs he moved to a house outside Shaftesbury with a stunning view.

He does the cooking and, yes, he does use Oxo. And he works part-time for Gill Cabs.

"There's nothing demeaning about driving a taxi but I would rather be out doing what I want to do," he said.