The sharp side of Spike

He was a comic genius who inspired a generation, winning fans such as Prince Charles.

But, away from the limelight, Spike Milligan could be spiteful, irrational and unpredictable - as well as funny, kind and generous.

In a new book, his personal assistant of 36 years recalls how he did not turn up for the first four weeks of her job - because he checked himself into a mental hospital.

When he did arrive, it was not long before he and Norma Farnes had the first of many rows.

Milligan stormed at her for giving his wife, Paddy, £45 from petty cash to get home after shopping. He raged: 'What on earth possessed you to give away my money?'

Another time she quit after Milligan accused her of not earning her wages. He said: 'You just sit there. You don't earn your money. I earn your money.' When he got one of his mistresses pregnant in 1973, it was up to Farnes to ensure there was enough money for the mother and baby. The following year, Milligan was arrested for shooting a 15-year-old boy with an air rifle. He pulled the trigger after catching teenagers playing in the garden of his North London home.

Defending himself in court, he was given a conditional discharge.

Farnes also helped Milligan with his battles against the BBC.

Moaning about his pay for the Goon Shows, he said: 'Those soulless BBC bastards in suits didn't like me. And they still don't.' He claimed co-stars Peter Sellers and Harry Secombe were paid more.

Farnes, 68, also pays tribute to Milligan's generosity and his regular gifts of dinners and flowers. She was his agent, best friend and nurse until his death at the age of 83 last year. 'I miss him terribly,' she said.